Linda Lewis, singer with five-octave range who provided backing vocals for David Bowie, dies aged 72

Singer-songwriter Linda Lewis, who was known for her five-octave vocal range and ability to perform a wide array of genres, has died at the age of 72, her family has confirmed.

Lewis, whose career spanned more than four decades, enjoyed solo success in the 1970s and provided backing vocals for artists such as David Bowie and Rod Stewart.

Veteran folk singer Yusuf/Cat Stevens, who worked with Lewis, tweeted: "I'm so sorry to hear of Linda Lewis passing. She was a good soul-friend and fine artist.

"Her flat on Hampstead Way was a regular home for artists and musicians in the 70s.

"Linda became my personal support act during the Bamboozle Tour of 1974, and travelled with our troupe all over the world, up to Japan. What a voice!

"I produced a couple of her records, and she sang the sweetest melody on my ballad, How Can I Tell You as well as the chorus on Angelsea."

The British singer-songwriter added that Lewis was like "an amazing bird that kindly visited the window sill of our earthly house for a few days, then flew away back to her garden".

Multi award-winning singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading said: "I'm so sad to hear of the death of Linda Lewis.

"She had a beautiful voice and was a really lovely person."

Tracey Thorn from Everything But The Girl and radio DJ Gilles Peterson also paid tribute.

Thorn said: "Oh I am very sorry to hear the news that Linda Lewis has died.

"I met her in a backstage dressing room a few years ago and was able to tell her this is one of my favourite records of all time."

Peterson wrote: "Linda Lewis ... RIP."

Her sister Dee Lewis Clay said on social media: "It is with the greatest sadness and regret we share the news that our beloved beautiful sister Linda Lewis passed away today peacefully at her home.

"The family asks that you respect our privacy and allow us to grieve at this heartbreaking time."

Lewis was born Linda Ann Fredericks in West Ham and attended stage school and taught herself to play guitar and keyboard.

She appeared in a non-speaking role in the British film A Taste Of Honey in 1961 and as a screaming fan in the first Beatles film A Hard Day's Night three years later.

Lewis appeared at the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970 and had four top 40 hits throughout the next decade.

Her first was Rock-a-Doodle-Doo, which reached number 15 in the UK in 1973.

Her biggest hit was It's In His Kiss, a cover of Cher's The Shoop Shoop Song, which reached number six in 1975.

She also toured with Stevens and provided backing vocals for Bowie on his Aladdin Sane album, as well as Stewart, Steve Harley & Cockney Revel, Rick Wakeman, Armatrading and Jamiroquai.