Pittsburgh singer-songwriter Lou Christie had died.
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The singer behind “Lightnin’ Strikes” and other hits, died in the Pittsburgh area after a “brief illness” his family said in an Instagram post.
KDKA Radio confirmed Christie’s passing with his management team.
“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,” the Sacco family wrote.
Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, Christie graduated from Moon Area High School, finding big success soon after.
Christie had two, top ten hits in 1963, “Two Faces Have I” and “The Gypsy Cried”.
He hit #1 with “Lightnin’ Strikes” in 1965.
That was followed by “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” in 1969 at #10 and his last charting hit, “Beyond The Blue Horizon” reaching #80 in 1974.
Christie performed until 2023.
One of his last shows was at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg in 2021.