It has just been reported my friend, who I know growing up in western PA as Freddie Sacco has died at age 82. Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, known professionally by his stage name Lou Christie, was an American pop and soft rock singer-songwriter known for several hits in the 1960s, including his 1966 US chart-topper "Lightnin' Strikes" and 1969 UK number two hit "I'm Gonna Make You Mine".


During the late 50s I met Freddie who was from the Pittsburgh area and staying at a cottage in our area and performing at the local WMCA. There was one trip we took together that always stuck in his mind. The five kids - Freddie, his sister Amy, close friends Buzz and Marlene, and I took a trip in Freddie’s VW bus to Erie PA and back. I loved all the rock/roll and doo-wop sounds and had a zillion records but had ‘zero’ musical singing talent. The rest of the four were great singers. Buzz had brought his guitar along. The four sang the entire trip and Freddie’s talent on that long ride blew me away.

Several years later after returning from the Air Force I realized the famous rock & roll singer known as Lou Christie was indeed Freddie. In December 2007, some 50 years after the VW trip to Erie, Donna & I went to a Rock & Roll show where Lou Christie was the headliner. His songs included The Gypsy Cried, Two Faces Have I, Lightning Strikes, and Rhapsody in the Rain. I sent him an email saying I was looking forward to seeing his show; doubting Lou (Freddie) would remember me. Too my surprise and delight Lou acknowledged from the stage of the Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn MI that he had a friend in the audience! We got admitted backstage to meet with him. Neat. Others in the show that night were Little Peggy Marsh (I Will Follow Him), The Marcels (Blue Moon), and Bill Haley's Comets (Rock Around the Clock). Although Bill died in 1981, the Comets were still performing - having the honor of being the longest performing R&R band in history! The oldest member was 84 years young. And believe it or not, they were the first R&R band I ever saw live, in Titusville PA, some 41 years earlier! Talk about going back in time - all in one night.

In 2023 we drove the MG to Shipshewana Indiana and saw Lou Christie perform again for the last time. God Bless and thanks for the memories.

 

Sorry to hear about your buddy Dave
We often post this or that about stars but it is very abstract.
Maybe we saw them play once and feel like we have a special connection.

Friendship really changes that dynamic.

 

Thanks Jerry

 

We saw him at a local theater. He was awesome and sang all hits. His voice was so unique going from normal to high pitched, sorry for your loss Dave. May he RIP.

 

Great story, Dave. Sorry for your loss.

 

Very sorry to hear Dave. I remember the Lightnin Strikes song, always liked that one. My mother had a 45 of it and I remember playing it when I was a kid, I may even have it now but I'll check.

 

 

R.I.P

 

I love the stories behind Italians who felt the need to change their names in pursuit of their careers. I thought his real name was Luigi, and somehow it got turned into a nickname like "Lugee"
I once had a US border guard pronounce my legal name as " Guspee " many years ago, and everyone in my family calls me that to this day, lol.

I recognize one of his songs. RIP, nice memories Dave.

 

Lou was very proud of his Italian heritage. Can you imagine going from a local choirboy to a teen idol. When I met him he was likely in 10th grade and I was in 12th. By age 19 he was signed in New York City with United Artists Records. Along with his backup female singers born in my hometown. The girls were 18, 16, and 15. His older sister, my age, was their chaperon. I'm sure UAR did the name change.