Died On This Date (September 4, 2012) Lillian Lopez / Lead Singer For Odyssey; Had Big Disco Hit With “Native New Yorker”
themusicsover Lillian Lopez
November 16, 1935 – September 4, 2012
Lillian Lopez is best remembered as the lead singer for ’70s disco outfit, Odyssey. Formed in New York City in 1977, the group initially included Lillian’s sister, Louise Lopez and friend, Tony Reynolds. Sister, Carmen Lopez performed with her siblings during their pre-Odyssey days. In December of 1977, the group scored a dance hit with “Native New Yorker,” which shot to #21 on the Billboard charts and #5 on the UK charts. Odyssey released numerous records over the next few years, but none did as well as “Native New Yorker” until 1982’s “Inside Out,” which reached #13 in the US and #3 in the UK. Much more popular in Europe, the group had no fewer than ten hits there including “Use It Up And Wear It Out” which topped the UK chart in 1980. Their music continues to be popular in the UK thanks in part to the Northern Soul scene. Lopez, the only original member of Odyssey, toured with them until her retirement in 2003. Lillian Lopez was 76 when she died of cancer on September 4, 2012.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
What You Should Own
Jason Noble was a guitarist and lead vocalist for three popular Louisville, Kentucky underground bands Rachel’s, Rodan, and Shipping News. With Rodan, Noble released 1994’s Rusty which is considered an early indie rock classic. His later groups, Rachel’s and Shipping News were equally influential even though their styles of music varied slightly. In 1999, Noble was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare cancer that ultimately took his life on August 4, 2012. He was 40.
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