Disco singer Evelyn Thomas, known for her powerful voice and defining the Hi-NRG scene of the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 70. Her hit song “High Energy” sold over seven million copies and topped the charts in the UK and US in 1984.
Thomas, who was born in 1953, grew up surrounded by music and eventually caught the attention of producer Ian Levine, leading to a successful music career. Despite some chart setbacks, she remained a beloved figure in the Northern Soul scene and continued to perform.
Her iconic track “High Energy” remains a classic in the dance music genre, with over 15 million streams on Spotify. Thomas’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength through her vocals made her a cornerstone of the hi-NRG movement.
In a touching tribute, Levine revealed that Thomas had reached out to him before her passing, leading to the creation of one last song titled “Inspirational.” Although she was unable to record it herself, her daughter plans to honor her mother’s legacy by recording the track.
The music world mourns the loss of Evelyn Thomas, but her legacy and music will continue to live on.
