The music community is honoring Lou Christie, the legendary vocalist whose high-pitched falsetto turned “Lightnin’ Strikes” into an enduring classic. He died on June 17 at the age of 82, after a short illness, according to a message from his family.

A Voice You’ll Always Remember
Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, Christie’s passion for music started young, singing in a church choir before achieving fame. His big break came in 1963 with “The Gypsy Cried,” followed by popular songs like “Two Faces Have I.” But it was the 1966 number-one hit “Lightnin’ Strikes,” co-written with Twyla Herbert, that cemented his place in pop music history.

His voice—renowned for its extraordinary falsetto—mesmerized a generation and made him a teen sensation of the 1960s.

A Lifelong Commitment to Music
Christie frequently reflected on his modest roots, recording his first songs on a two-track machine in his hometown. He attributed his enduring success to a way of life centered on wellness and moderation.

“I’m not a drinker and I don’t smoke,” he shared in a 2016 interview. “I live a calm life, and I believe that makes a difference.”