It feels like we\u2019re losing so many beloved artists lately.<\/p>\n
Now comes word that Lou Christie, the falsetto-voiced teen idol behind the 1966 No. 1 hit \u201cLightnin\u2019 Strikes,\u201d<\/em> has died at 82.<\/p>\n Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, Christie began singing in a church choir and rose to fame in the early \u201960s with \u201cThe Gypsy Cried\u201d<\/em> and \u201cTwo Faces Have I.\u201d<\/em> But it was \u201cLightnin\u2019 Strikes,\u201d<\/em> co-written with Twyla Herbert, that made him a pop legend.<\/p>\n Christie had no formal training, recording early tracks in a small hometown studio. His musical journey began with a first-grade performance of \u201cAway in a Manger,\u201d<\/em> where he first felt the spark of performing.<\/p>\n He continued touring into his 80s, attributing his longevity to clean living: \u201cI\u2019m not a liquor drinker, I don\u2019t smoke… I live a peaceful life.\u201d<\/p>\n On June 17, his family announced his passing after a brief illness. No cause of death was given.<\/p>\n He is survived by his wife, Francesca, and two children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It feels like we\u2019re losing so many beloved artists lately. Now comes word that Lou Christie, the falsetto-voiced teen idol behind the 1966 No. 1 hit \u201cLightnin\u2019 Strikes,\u201d has died at 82. Born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, Christie began singing in a church choir and rose to fame in the early \u201960s…<\/p>\n