Lou Christie, ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ Singer, Dead at 82

Lou Christie (Photo from his Facebook page)

Lou Christie, the singer best known for his 1966 #1 hit “Lightnin’ Strikes,” died this morning (June 18, 2025), following a brief battle with cancer. His death was announced on his social media pages by his family, who did not specify the location. Christie was 82.

The post on Christie’s page reads: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved brother, Lou Christie, who left us after a brief illness. He was cherished not only by his family and close friends, but also by countless fans whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity, artistic and musical talent, humor and spirit. His absence leaves a profound void in all our hearts. He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and forever loved.”

The announcement was signed “The Sacco Family,” an acknowledgement that Christie, who was born Feb. 19, 1943, was originally named Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco. Always associated with the city of Pittsburgh, Christie was born in Glenwillard, a neighborhood in Allegheny County, which includes the larger city. He sang as a child and at age 15 began working with Twyla Herbert, an older, classically trained musician who became his songwriting partner. At first, still known as Lugee Sacco, the teen sang with various area vocal groups, one of which, Lugee and the Lions (consisting of Sacco, Twyla Herbert’s daughter Shirley and two others), had a local hit with “The Jury” on the Robbee label.

In 1961, Sacco began working as a session vocalist in New York City, and the following year, he teamed up with Pittsburgh-based entertainment business figure Nick Cenci, who suggested the name change to Lou Christie. Toward the end of 1962, they released Herbert and Christie’s “The Gypsy Cried,” which spotlighted Christie’s falsetto voice, a trademark that he would continue to employ throughout his career. Released on the independent C & C label, the single was picked up by the larger Roulette Records and reached #23 in Billboard in the early part of 1963.

That record was followed in the spring by “Two Faces Have I,” which rose to #6. Christie’s next few releases did not fare as well, and it wasn’t until early 1966 (after a stint in the Army Reserves) that he scored another big hit. “Lightnin’ Strikes,” again co-written by Herbert and Christie, and recorded in New York on Sept. 3, 1965, went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the singer’s most successful release. The single, released on MGM Records, was Christie’s only recording to reach that position.

Related: Christie was one of many singers known for his soaring vocals

In the spring of 1966, Christie enjoyed a #16 placement with “Rhapsody in the Rain,” which caused some controversy due to the inclusion of the line “We were makin’ out in the rain.” Due to some complaints by broadcasters, it was reissued with that lyric changed to “We fell in love in the rain.” Christie’s next, and last, Top 10 hit didn’t arrive until 1969, when “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” went to #10, this time on the Buddah label (which followed a brief, unsuccessful stay at Columbia Records).

Although he placed three further singles on the chart into the mid-’70s, Christie’s days as a hitmaker effectively ended with the ’60s. He released a concept album titled Paint America Love in 1971, and tried going country for a while, then continued to thrive on the oldies circuit, performing into the 2020s.

Watch Lou Christie perform “Lightnin’ Strikes” on The Midnight Special

Christie’s recordings are available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.

Related: We’ve lost many other music greats in 2025

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Jeff Tamarkin

Best Classic Bands Editor Jeff Tamarkin has been a prolific music journalist for more than four decades. He is formerly the editor of Goldmine, CMJ and Relix magazines, has written for dozens of other publications and has authored liner notes for more than 80 CDs. Jeff has also served on the Nominating Committee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as a consultant to the Grammys. His first book was 'Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane.' He is also the co-author of 'Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, etc.,' with Howard Kaylan.

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