Evelyn Thomas, “High Energy” Disco Singer, Dead At 70

Evelyn Thomas, the singer who elevated the disco subgenre of hi-NRG, has died at age 70. Thomas’ longtime collaborator, Ian Levine, shared the news on Sunday (July 21) in a lengthy Facebook post. The producer shared a bit about their history together, recalling how he met the star and the woman whom he described as his “protegé.”

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Levine revealed that he and another writer had managed to pen one more song for Evelyn Thomas to sing called “Inspirational,” but her “health deteriorated far too fast” for her to sing. As an ode to Thomas, Levin stated that the singer’s daughter, Kimberly, who is an artist named YaYaDiamond, would record the song in her honor. “It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protege really has left us,” Levine typed. “Her music will outlive us all.”

Ian Levine did not disclose a cause of death .

Kimberly also posted about her mother’s death. She took to Instagram, where she posted a tribute to her mom, with a series of pictures soundtracked by her international hit, “High Energy.” “RIP mommy Ellen Simpson AKA Evelyn Thomas,” she typed.

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Evelyn Thomas first caught the attention of music execs in 1975 when Ian Levin discovered her. She hit the scene in 1976 with “Weak Spot,” which was co-written by Levine and Paul David Wilson. She then signed to Casablanca Records in 1978 to release her debut album I Wanna Make It On My Own . After poor marketing, Thomas departed Casablanca Records to sign with AVI Records.

In 1984, Thomas and Levine came together again to create biggest record together, “High Energy.” The song was a massive hit, climbing atop to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. “High Energy” also reached No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year. Thomas would go on to release four studio albums.

VIBE sends our condolences to Evelyn Thomas’ family and friends.

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