Linda Lewis
Linda Ann Fredericks (27 September 1950 – 3 May 2023), better known as Linda Lewis. In 1973, Lewis became the first Black British female singer-songwriter to enter the UK Singles Chart when her self-written single “Rock-a-Doodle-Doo” reached number 15. Linda Lewis was an English singer, songwriter and musician. She is best known for the singles "Rock-a-Doodle-Doo" (1973) and her version of Betty Everett's "The Shoop Shoop Song" (1975). Her discography includes solo albums, Lark (1972), Not a Little Girl Anymore (1975), Woman Overboard (1977), and the later Second Nature (1995), which became successful in countries such as Japan. Lewis also provided backing vocals for other artists, including David Bowie, Al Kooper, Cat Stevens, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Rick Wakeman, Rod Stewart, Stomu Yamashta, Peter Bardens, Hummingbird, Joan Armatrading and Jamiroquai.
She was the eldest of six children, three of whom also had singing careers. Lewis was a self-taught guitarist and keyboard player, influenced by Harry Nilsson, Billie Holiday and Smokey Robinson, also drawing inspiration from others such as Joni Mitchell. Her music blended folk, funk and soul.
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