News

Legendary Madchester vocalist Denise Johnson has died.

On Monday 27th July, a statement issued by Denise Johnson’s family announced that the singer had passed away suddenly after an illness, aged 56. She had been due to release her debut solo acoustic album in September.

Johnson began her career with American soul band Maze during the ’80s, and went on to perform with Primal Scream for five years, featuring on the band’s landmark 1991 ‘Screamadelica’ album. Johnson also worked alongside the likes of The Pet Shop Boys, Bernard Sumner, and Electronic. 

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, with the likes of Boy George, 808 State, Fatboy Slim, Ian Brown of The Stone Roses, The Orb, New Order and Picadilly Records sharing memories of the iconic vocalist.

You can read some of the tributes below.

Denise Johnson, sadly departed. May you rest in peace. Repost via @Mixmag pic.twitter.com/qSPlAVpVnC

— Fatboy Slim (@FatboySlim) July 28, 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

Rip Denise Johnson
A beautiful spirit that lit any gig with her stunningly angelic voice . – Alex
pic.twitter.com/KL9K4slRWv

— The Orb (@Orbinfo) July 28, 2020

Very sad news to hear of the passing of Denise Johnson. Our love to family and friends. https://t.co/wJp6RnZiiq

— Echo & the Bunnymen (@Bunnymen) July 28, 2020

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

We’re very saddened to hear of the passing of legend Denise Johnson, a great musician and friend of the shop. Like Denise, we were looking forward to the release of her debut acoustic solo album and in working with her to bring it to you all. A tragic day for Manchester music. pic.twitter.com/MNA0Qs5FqF

— Piccadilly Records (@PiccadillyRecs) July 27, 2020

We were sad to hear about the passing of Denise Johnson. Our condolences to her family and friends. Denise’s vital contributions to our Screamadelica & Give Out But Don’t Give Up albums and tours are a testament to her talent. Precious Memories. pic.twitter.com/gTlFiqn0kS

— Primal Scream (@ScreamOfficial) July 28, 2020

RIP LOVELY DENISE JOHNSON X

— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) July 27, 2020

I cant believe the news that Denise Johnson has passed -Her voice sews so many memories together in many contexts – but most of all she gave the best hugs -but you can hear that cant you ? xxxx pic.twitter.com/jHptOaLF6p

— 808 State (@state808) July 27, 2020

I truly felt this, still do.

Rest in peace Denise Johnson.

My most sincere condolences to her family and friends.https://t.co/JNxKPcGRLu

— erol alkan (@erolalkan) July 27, 2020

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