Linda Lewis

Linda Lewis

Linda Lewis is an English pop and soul vocalist, songwriter and guitarist from Newham, London. Born Linda Ann Fredericks, she is known for a wide vocal range and for working across pop, soul, folk and reggae.

Career

Lewis begins her professional career in 1967 when she joins the British group Ferris Wheel. After the group disbands in 1970, she pursues a solo career. She is self-taught on guitar and keyboard, and her singing style draws on influences including Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell.

Her solo albums include Lark (1972), Not a Little Girl Anymore (1975), Woman Overboard (1977) and Second Nature (1995). Among her best-known singles are “Rock-a-Doodle-Doo” and “Sideway Shuffle”, both from 1973, and her version of Betty Everett’s “Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” from 1975.

Work with other artists

Alongside her own recordings, Lewis provides backing vocals for a number of artists, including David Bowie, Al Kooper, Cat Stevens, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Rick Wakeman, Rod Stewart, Peter Bardens, Hummingbird, Joan Armatrading and Jamiroquai. She also collaborates with Basement Jaxx in 2006.

Later activity

After more than a decade of touring, performing and recording, Lewis steps away from the public eye during the 1980s and spends over ten years in Los Angeles. She appears at Glastonbury Festival in 2003. In 2006, she releases Live in Old Smokey, which includes new songs as well as re-recorded material. In 2023, she appears on “Earthling” by the UK folk-funk band The Paracosmos.

Style and influence

Lewis is associated with pop soul and singer-songwriter music, with a catalogue that also draws on folk and reggae. Her blend of styles and her backing-vocal work place her as an influential figure for later artists such as Des'ree and India.Arie.