Denise Johnson, Singer With Primal Scream, Has Died Aged 56

She was also known for her work with New Order, Pet Shop Boys, A Certain Ratio and Bernard Butler.

Primal Scream singer Denise Johnson has died at the age of 56.

The performer, who was best known for her work on the band’s critically acclaimed 1991 album Screamadelica, died “suddenly at home” in Manchester.

Denise Johnson pictured performing with A Certain Radio at the Big Chill music festival in 2005
Denise Johnson pictured performing with A Certain Radio at the Big Chill music festival in 2005
Jim Dyson via Getty Images

A statement from her family said Denise had been “ill in the week prior to her death, but told friends she was ‘much better’ on Friday”.

Denise’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

A statement regarding our dear beautiful friend Denise Johnson on behalf of her family and beloved @sue_langford pic.twitter.com/bxGckj8vR1

— Michelle Hussey (@MichelleLHussey) July 27, 2020

The singer performed with Primal Scream between 1990 to 1995, featuring on one of their biggest songs, Don’t Fight It, Feel It.

Denise also featured on records from some of her home town’s biggest bands, including New Order, as well as performing on tracks by The Pet Shop Boys.

She had sung with Manchester band A Certain Radio for over 25 years.

Denise with Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream and singer George Clinton at NBC TV Studios in New York in July 1996
Denise with Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream and singer George Clinton at NBC TV Studios in New York in July 1996
David Corio via Getty Images

New Order’s official Twitter account said the band was “devastated” by Denise’s death.

A statement said: “She was a beautiful person with a huge talent. Her voice graced many of our albums and live shows and that of our friends. We will miss her dearly.”

Peter Hook, former bassist of New Order, also said on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened to hear about Denise – my heart goes out to the Johnson family for their terrible loss. Rest in peace Denise, singing with the angels. X.”

New Order are devastated to hear the sad news that Denise Johnson has passed away. She was a beautiful person with a huge talent. Her voice graced many of our albums and live shows and that of our friends. We will miss her dearly. pic.twitter.com/9elTLCiHG8

— New Order (@neworder) July 27, 2020

Shocked and saddened to hear about Denise - my heart goes out to the Johnson family for their terrible loss. Rest in peace Denise, singing with the angels. X

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) July 27, 2020

Tributes to Denise poured in from across the music industry, including from Happy Monday’s Rowetta, former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown and Boy George.

Sad sad news today 💔
I have so many great memories of Denise from when we were young.
We just used to sing & laugh like naughty schoolgirls all the time.
A great loss to Manchester and music.
My condolences to her family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ykNsjPMxmD

— Rowetta 🎤 (@Rowetta) July 27, 2020

Such sad news about our dear friend Denise Johnson. Playing alongside her was something else. It was a privilege to work with her. pic.twitter.com/QnY0Rsqx2Z

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 27, 2020

RIP LOVELY DENISE JOHNSON X

— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) July 27, 2020

Very sad to hear about the passing of Denise Johnson. Thank you for the joy you brought to music and for being the best indie soul goddess ever. My thoughts are with your family and closest friends. Play the music loud! pic.twitter.com/LpEiPL3Qld

— Boy George (the truth is in your breath) (@BoyGeorge) July 28, 2020

Denise’s solo acoustic album, Where Does It All Go, is set to be released in September.

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