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Loleatta Holloway, Soul and Disco Star, Dies Aged 64

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Soul and disco singer Loleatta Holloway has died at the age of 64.

The singer passed away on Monday evening, March 21, after a brief illness, her manager Ron Richardson announced (via Spinning Soul).

Holloway's biggest hit 'Love Sensation' came in 1980 and proved a major inspiration to a variety of dance acts that followed. Her vocal from the track was most notably sampled on Black Box's 1989 UK No. 1 'Ride on Time', although at the time the Italian house trio employed a French model to mime along to Holloway's powerful vocal.

After starting her career as a gospel singer, Holloway signed to Aware Records in the early 1970s but with only two albums under her belt the label went out of business and Holloway moved on. In 1976 she signed with the Gold Mind label and scored her then biggest success with the B-side 'Dreaming' which swiftly launched her career as a disco star. In all she recorded six albums between 1973 and 1980.

Quick to pay their respects, Danish popsters Alphabeat tweeted, "A great inspiration. R.I.P Loleatta Holloway."

Loleatta Holloway -- 'Love Sensation'

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Clint

She was fantastic . I am listening to her "Hit and Run" right now.

March 23 2011 at 2:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dougger

I hope more young people find the prize that was Loleatta Holloway through her music.

March 22 2011 at 10:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David Hart

So saddened to read this. She really was a vocal force and will be missed. She did a wonderful cover version of "you light up my life" which is just extraordinary and gives me chills....

R.I.P.

March 22 2011 at 11:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to David Hart's comment
Donald R

David you think you had chills.....I was her drummer during the Cry To Me & and Hit And Run era.....I was 19 years old at the time......What a powerful voice.

God bless the Holloway family. She WILL be truly missed.

March 22 2011 at 5:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Glenn Rivera

Loletta is the House Mother of Disco! Her music has made history - she will live in our souls forever!

Thank you, Loleatta :)

March 22 2011 at 11:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

What a loss to the music world. I was just reading the liner notes to my Loleatta anthology set last night, so this news is especially shocking. Loleatta, your spirit will live on through your music and your inspiration to many.

March 22 2011 at 10:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply