Linda Lewis, known for her collaborations with prominent musicians such as David Bowie and Rod Stewart, passed away at 72. The news was shared on Instagram by her sister, Dee Lewis Clay, who posted a heartfelt message announcing Linda’s passing.
Throughout her career, lent her voice to various projects in the late ’60s and early ’70s. She performed with groups such as White Rabbit and the Ferris Wheel. She spent much of her time as a session musician, contributing to numerous albums, including Cat Stevens’ ‘Catch Bull at Four,’ Bowie’s ‘Aladdin Sane,’ Stewart’s ‘Blondes Have More Fun,’ and ‘Tonight I’m Yours.’
Linda’s passing has been met with tributes on social media from fans and fellow musicians alike including Cat Stevens. Stevens shared a heartfelt tribute to Linda on Twitter, reminiscing about their friendship and collaboration during the 1970s. Stevens mentioned that Linda joined him on his 1974 ‘Bamboozle Tour’ and contributed her voice to his songs ‘How Can I Tell You’ and ‘Angelsea.’
Dee Lewis Clay’s statement on Instagram sharing her sister’s passing read:
“It is with the greatest sadness and regret we share the news that our beloved beautiful sister Linda Lewis passed away today peacefully at her home. The family asks that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve at this heartbreaking time.”
Cat Stevens’ Tweet about Linda Lewis read:
“Linda Lewis the Nightingale, I’m so sorry to hear of Linda Lewis’s passing. She was a good soul friend and fine artist. Her flat on Hampstead Way was a regular home for artists and musicians in the 70s. Linda became my personal support act during the ‘Bamboozle Tour’ of 1974 and traveled with our troupe all over the world up to Japan. What a voice! I produced a couple of her records, and she sang the sweetest melody on my ballad, ‘How Can I Tell You,’ and the chorus on ‘Angelsea.’
Linda was like an amazing bird that kindly visited the window sill of our earthly house for a few days, then flew away back to her garden. And I am so glad to know she entered Islam a couple of years ago at Peter Sanders’ house, at the hand of a beautiful spiritual Shaikh from Gambia, Muhammad Al Jilani. God grants her eternal love and peace in the ever-blossoming garden where her heart belongs.”
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Linda, it is clear that her talent and contributions to the music industry, with her collaborations with the likes of Bowie, Stewart, and Stevens, showcase her versatility and passion for music. The heartfelt tributes from fans, friends, and fellow musicians demonstrate her profound impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. Rest in peace, Linda Lewis.
Linda Lewis the Nightingale
I’m so sorry to hear of Linda Lewis passing. She was a good soul-friend and fine artist. Her flat on Hampstead Way was a regular home for artist and musicians in the 70’s. Linda became my personal support act during the ‘Bamboozle Tour’ of 1974, and… pic.twitter.com/fWEZeeruf9— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) May 4, 2023
