The Pop Corporation

One of the UK’s finest soul singers, lovely Linda Lewis, has sadly died. To many, this may be a new name so let us fill you in as tribute and introduce you to some wonderful music in the meantime.

Lewis got a break performing with John Lee Hooker, and was courted by Bowie, Rod Stewart, Rick Wakeman, Cat Stevens and more. A five-octane range and voice full of character, Lewis was a legend in rock and soul circles. She was on the first Glastonbury bill and is every bit the forgotten legend in British pop music.

One of her songs, you’ll know already – ‘It’s In His Kiss’ as covered by Cher.

A performance of her Rock A Doodle Doo on Top of the Pops was the thing that really made her break out, and it is a glorious performance indeed. And being one of the few homegrown soul singers, it was widely believed that she must have been from the States.

She said: “Because I am black, people presumed I was an American who was brought up in gospel churches, where in fact I was raised in the Catholic Church, which is very inhibiting.”

While the 60s brought acclaim and industry recognition, it took the 70s for Linda Lewis to become a household name. A series of striking Top Of The Pops performances broke her song ‘Rock-A-Doodle-Doo’, while 1975 album ‘Not A Little Girl Anymore’ showed a striking vocalist at the peak of her powers.

While her fame may have retreated, the real heads always knew. Everything But The Girl’s Tracy Thorn – a pop fan you can thoroughly trust – tweeted: “Oh I am very sorry to hear the news that Linda Lewis has died. I met her in a backstage dressing room a few years ago and was able to tell her this is one of my favourite records of all time…”

The tune in question is the beautiful ‘This Time I’ll Be Sweeter’.

Relentless touring and session work would win her friends in high places, but away from the spotlight she came.

However, there would be more, starring at the BBC Soul Britannia concert series, working with Joan Armatrading, featuring on some mid-period Oasis tracks, and a whipsmart feature with Basement Jaxx.

God bless you Linda. x