Evelyn Thomas, the powerhouse singer who helped define the hi-NRG dance music scene of the 1980s with her international hit “High Energy,” has died at age 70. The news was confirmed by her longtime producer and mentor Ian Levine on social media via MASS UPDATE. The cause of death was not known.
“It's hard for me to accept that my lifelong protégé has truly left us,” Levine wrote on X. “Her music will outlive us all.”
Born on August 22, 1953 in Chicago, Thomas first came to the attention of the music industry when Levine discovered her in 1975.
Her debut single 'Weak Spot' became her first chart success, reaching No.26 in the UK Singles Chart in 1976. Early triumph led to an appearance on the influential British music show Top of the Popsmarking the beginning of her rise in the music world.
Thomas' career took off with the release of “High Energy” in 1984. The track topped the Billboard Hot Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for one week and peaked at No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written and co-produced by Levine and Fiachra Trench, became a defining moment in the emerging hi-NRG genre, a high-speed offshoot of disco that dominated clubs in the mid-1980s.
“Nobody else in the world could ever sing it,” Levine noted of the vocal ability. The pulsating dance anthem was a notable commercial success, selling an impressive seven million records worldwide. As of 2024, “High Energy” continues to resonate with listeners, having over 15 million streams on Spotify.
Thomas' powerful four-octave range and soulful delivery set her apart on the dance music scene. DJ and music historian Bill Brewster commented: “Evelyn's voice had this incredible ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. He was the cornerstone of the hi-NRG movement.”
After the success of “High Energy”, Thomas continued to make her presence felt on the charts.
Her dazzling rendition of The Supremes' “Reflections” climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1985, while “How Many Hearts” climbed to No. 11 in 1986. Both tracks appeared on her final studio album. He stands at the crossroads (1986).
Thomas' discography includes notable records such as I want to make them myself (1978) and High energy (1984).
Levin revealed that Thomas had contacted him “infatuated” in recent months, aware of her declining health. The reconciliation led Levine and Trench to write a final song for her titled “Inspirational”, although Thomas was ultimately too ill to record it.
Her daughter, recording artist YaYa Diamond (née Kimberly), plans to record the track as a heartfelt tribute to her mother's legacy.
Watch Evelyn Thomas' “High Energy” below.
