Lou Christie, ‘The Gypsy Cried,’ ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ Singer, Dies at 82

The Pennsylvania native released his first hit single in 1962.

(L-R) Lou Christie talks with SiriusXM host Steve Tyrell at SiriusXM Celebrates Frank Sinatra's 99th Birthday Live On SiriusXM's 'Siriusly Sinatra' From Patsy's Restaurant in New York City on Dec. 12, 2014. Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Lou Christie, a singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s, churning out chart-topping hits such as “The Gypsy Cried,” “Two Faces Have I,” and “Lightnin' Strikes” in his distinctive falsetto pitch, has died at the age of 82.

Christie, born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, died on Wednesday, his former musical director, Jeremy Driesen, confirmed in a Facebook post.