Singer Evelyn Thomas Dies at Age 70

Evelyn Thomas, the iconic vocalist known for her contribution to the hi-NRG dance music scene of the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 70. This news was confirmed by her longtime producer and mentor Ian Levine, who announced the sad news on social media. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Born on August 22, 1953, in Chicago, Evelyn Thomas first caught the eye of the music industry when she was discovered by Levine in 1975. Her debut single, “Weak Spot,” achieved success by reaching No. 26 on the U.K. Singles Chart in 1976. This early accomplishment paved the way for her appearance on the popular British music show, Top of the Pops, marking the beginning of her journey in the music world.

One of Thomas’s most renowned tracks, “High Energy,” became a massive hit and solidified her status in the music scene. The infectious dance anthem sold an impressive seven million records globally and continues to captivate audiences with over 15 million streams on Spotify as of 2024.

Describing her vocal talent, Levine mentioned, “Nobody else in the world could have ever sung it.” Thomas’s exceptional four-octave range and emotional delivery distinguished her in the hi-NRG genre. Renowned DJ and music historian Bill Brewster praised her voice, stating, “Evelyn’s voice had this incredible ability to convey both vulnerability and strength, making her a cornerstone of the hi-NRG movement.”

Following the success of “High Energy,” Evelyn Thomas continued to make her mark on the music charts with notable albums like “I Wanna Make It on My Own” (1978) and “High Energy” (1984). Her musical legacy remains a significant influence on the dance music scene.

In recent months, Thomas reached out to Levine as a gesture of love, knowing about her declining health. Despite their reconciliation, Thomas was too ill to record a final song titled “Inspirational,” which was co-written by Levine and Trench. Her daughter, YaYa Diamond, a recording artist born Kimberly, plans to record the track as a touching tribute to her mother’s enduring legacy.

To honor Evelyn Thomas’s memory, we invite you to watch the music video for her timeless hit, “High Energy,” below.