Singer, songwriter, and musician Linda Lewis – born Linda Fredericks on September 27, 1950, in West Ham, Essex, England –best known for her singles “Rock-a-Doodle-Doo” (1973) and “It’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)” (1975) and for her session work as backing vocalist for artists such as David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Al Kooper, Rick Wakeman, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, and many others. Her career began in 1964 when she was an extra in The Beatles’ first movie, A Hard Day’s Night, and the singer in ska / bluebeat group The Q Set. She then set her solo career in motion when she signed with Polydor Records and, after changing her last name to Lewis, she released the single “You Turned My Bitter into Sweet.” She then formed White Rabbit in 1967 before joining The Ferris Wheel in 1970 and singing on their self-titled 1970 album. Linda Lewis then signed to Reprise Records and, while working on her own album, she began her successful career as a session vocalist when she recorded with artists such as Al Kooper, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, and others. Her debut album, Say No More, was released in 1971, and was followed by Lark (1972), which included the Number 15 hit single, “Rock-a-Doodle-Doo.” She followed that album with Fathoms Deep (1973) before releasing the hit full-length Not A Little Girl Anymore (1975), which featured musical assistance from Allen Toussaint and the Tower of Power horn section. The album included Linda Lewis’ disco-influenced version of "It's in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)," which hit Number 6 on the singles chart. After making a high-profile appearance at the Knebworth Festival in 1975, she issued the albums Woman Overboard (1977), Hacienda View (1979), and A Tear and a Smile (1983), but didn’t achieve the same success as her previous albums. Linda Lewis stepped away from the spotlight and relocated to Los Angeles for several years. In the 1980s, she recorded with her sisters Dee and Shirley but didn’t return with a solo album until 1995’s Second Nature. She followed that with successful live performances and the albums Whatever… (1997) and Kiss of Life (1999). Several compilation albums were released to celebrate her musical career including The Best of Linda Lewis (1996), Reach for the Truth: Best of the Reprise Years 1971-74 (2002) and the rarities collection Hampstead Days (2014). Linda Lewis died at her home in Kent, England on May 3, 2023, at the age of 72.
