Evelyn Thomas, the powerhouse vocalist known for her iconic hit “High Energy,” has passed away at 70. Her death was confirmed by her longtime producer and mentor, Ian Levine. No cause of death was disclosed.
Levine shared the news on social media, expressing his sorrow. “It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protege really has left us,” he wrote. “Her music will outlive us all.”
Evelyn Thomas Rise to Fame
Born in Chicago on August 22, 1953, Thomas began her music career when Levine discovered her in 1975. Her debut single “Weak Spot” reached No. 26 on the U.K. Singles Chart in 1976. This success led to her appearance on Top of the Pops, marking her rise in the music world.
Thomas’s career reached new heights with the release of “High Energy” in 1984. The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and became a defining moment in the hi-NRG genre. Levine noted, “Nobody else in the world could have ever sung it.” The song achieved remarkable commercial success, selling seven million records worldwide. As of 2024, “High Energy” boasts over 15 million streams on Spotify.
Thomas’s powerful four-octave range and emotive delivery set her apart in the dance music scene. DJ and music historian Bill Brewster commented, “Evelyn’s voice had this incredible ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. She was a cornerstone of the hi-NRG movement.”
Continued Success and Legacy
Following “High Energy,” Thomas continued to chart hits. Her rendition of The Supremes’ “Reflections” reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1985. “How Many Hearts” ascended to No. 11 in 1986. Both tracks were featured on her final studio album, Standing at the Crossroads (1986).
Levine revealed that Thomas had recently reached out to him, aware of her declining health. This reconciliation led Levine and Fiachra Trench to compose a final song for her titled “Inspirational.” However, Thomas was too ill to record it. Her daughter, recording artist YaYa Diamond, plans to record the track as a tribute to her mother.
Kimberly, known as YaYa Diamond, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “RIP mommy Ellen Simpson AKA Evelyn Thomas,” she wrote, accompanied by a series of pictures and the sound of “High Energy.”