Rock 'n' roll legend Lou Christie, whose classic 1960s hits include "Lightnin' Strikes" and "Two Faces Have I," has received the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of the Bronx and Westchester's Il Leone di San Marco award in music.
The charitable non-profit organization annually honors outstanding Italian-Americans in the performing arts, music, government, medicine, sports, literature, film, television, science and academia. It presented the award to Christie last Sunday at a champagne luncheon at the Davenport Club in New Rochelle, where producer Phil Ramone was also among the honorees; past music recipients have included Dion, Anna Moffo, Anton Coppola and Sergio Franchi, while Stanley Tucci, Susan Lucci, Rudy Giuliani and Phil Rizzuto have received the award in other categories.
"I accepted this award on behalf of my father," says Christie, one of the great vocalist/songwriters of 1960s rock 'n' roll, who still sounds great on record and stage. "He instilled his Italian pride in me and it's sad that he never got to see me honored this way. I brought a few things with me to share with the other honorees: my favorite movie, the 1989 classic, Cinema Paradiso, and Paul Paolicelli's great book, Dances With Luigi. These works captured exactly how I felt about my culture and my Italian heritage. This award was an honor I accepted with great pride and humility."
A native of Pittsburgh who lives in Manhattan, Christie was born Lugee Sacco. He recently taped a "Hometown Hits/Pittsburgh" show for Sirius Satellite Radio's ‘60s on 6 channel and returns to Pittsburgh next month to tape another PBS special from the Benedum Theatre--where Lou participated in the Rock, Rhythm and Doo-Wop program that remains one of the network's most successful fundraisers.
Meanwhile, Christie did a guest stint last weekend in "The Golden Boys" show featuring fellow '60s stars Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell when Rydell suffered a broken shoulder. His current concert schedule includes headlining a big New York show at the Beacon Theater Sept. 25 (also featuring The Vogues, The Diamonds with Dave Somerville, The Penguins, The Cookies, The Bobbettes, Randy & The Rainbows and The Pentagons) and a show at the Progress Energy Center--Meymandi Hall in Raleigh, N.C. Oct. 28 with Michael Amante.
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Comments
Lou's is one of the greatest voices in American pop music history.
I second that. Cheers lou, my friend, my brother, a great artist.
congrats to lou... ciao bello...
Congratulations Lou on your well deserved award. Keep up the good work.....
Mr. Christie...thank you for representing Italian Americans so well through music!
No one deserves this as much as Lou does. His voice is the same as it was in the 60s.I try to see hin as much as i can. His songs and personality is just beyond compare! He is also faithful to his fans, which many performers are not today.Good Luck to you Lou. YOU are the best!!
Lou is fantastic,he certainly deserves this award. He is extremely talented, he has such an awesome voice. Congratulations Lou. Keep rockin'!
DEAR LOU ITS AN HONOR AND A PRIVLEDGE TO CALL YOU A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF MY. I CANT THINK OF ANY ITALIAN MAN WHO DESERVES THIS AWARD MORE THAN YOU. YOU HAVE STYLE CLASS AND CHARISMA. ALL THE BEST. LOVE YA BABY
You are the king of song and performance and deserve every honor for being such a great humanitarian and sharing your music with all of us. It sure gets me through tough times and always makes a person feel good all over! Thanks for being who yu are and I hope you willacknowledge that you received my thank you for saving my life here in Norwalk,CT.My prayers for only the best of health and hapiness are with you,Keep singing!!!!!
I don't believe this mans talent. He looks better then he did 30 years ago. His lips, body,voice,and personality .My God what a tresure to have in America. Can't wait to see him again..
Great music. Beautiful man.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lou at my husband's high school reunion this past weekend. He is still as georgous as he was yrs ago and a very humble man.. Thanks for all the great songs..
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