Evelyn Thomas, the iconic disco singer known for her electrifying hit “High Energy,” has passed away at the age of 70. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her daughter, Yaya Diamond, who shared her grief on social media. Thomas, who was a significant figure in the hi-NRG dance music scene, died on Sunday, with her longtime producer Ian Levine announcing the news on Facebook. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
In a poignant statement to PEOPLE, Diamond expressed her sorrow, saying, “I am seriously sad at the passing of my mom. She was so strong and I am having a hard time right now, but she told me to continue her legacy.” The bond between mother and daughter was evident, as Diamond reflected on their close relationship, stating, “You must understand we were very close, and she was the last of my parents. I will never be the same!”
Levine, who had a long history of collaboration with Thomas, shared his own tribute, reminiscing about their journey together. He noted that they had been estranged for many years but had recently reconciled in the final months of her life. “A couple of months ago, knowing that she was dying, she reached out to me in love,” Levine wrote. He and Fiachra Trench had even written a final song for her titled “Inspirational,” which she was eager to record but was unable to due to her declining health.
Evelyn Thomas was born on August 22, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. She first gained attention in the music industry when Levine discovered her in 1975. Her debut single, “Weak Spot,” became a hit in the UK, peaking at No. 26 on the Singles Chart in 1976. This early success led to her appearance on the influential British music show “Top of the Pops,” marking the beginning of her ascent in the music world.
However, it was her 1984 single “High Energy” that solidified her status as a disco legend. The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for one week and reached No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100. Co-written and co-produced by Levine and Trench, “High Energy” became a defining anthem of the hi-NRG genre, a high-tempo offshoot of disco that dominated dance floors in the mid-1980s. The song’s pulsating beat and Thomas’s powerful vocals resonated with audiences, leading to impressive sales of over seven million records worldwide.
Thomas’s vocal prowess was widely recognized, with many praising her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. DJ and music historian Bill Brewster remarked, “Evelyn’s voice had this incredible ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. She was a cornerstone of the hi-NRG movement.” Following the success of “High Energy,” Thomas continued to release music, including her soulful rendition of The Supremes’ “Reflections,” which climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1985.
Throughout her career, Thomas released several albums, including “I Wanna Make It on My Own” in 1978 and “Standing at the Crossroads” in 1986. Despite facing challenges in the music industry, she remained a beloved figure among fans and fellow artists alike. Levine’s tribute highlighted the impact Thomas had on his life and career, stating, “It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protege really has left us. Her music will outlive all of us.”
In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, celebrating Thomas’s contributions to music and her enduring legacy. Diamond has expressed her intention to honor her mother’s memory by recording the song “Inspirational” as a tribute. “There are many plans in the making to honor and to keep her legacy alive,” she shared.
As the music community mourns the loss of Evelyn Thomas, her impact on the disco and hi-NRG genres will not be forgotten. Her powerful voice and unforgettable hits have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, ensuring that her legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Source: PEOPLE, Billboard, Metro.co.uk, VIBE
