Linda Lewis (born Linda Ann Fredericks), 27 September 1950, West Ham, London) is an English pop and soul vocalist, a songwriter and guitar player, renowned for her vocals. Possessing a five-octave vocal range, Lewis built her reputation as a singer joining the British group Ferris Wheel in 1967. When the group disbanded in 1970, she went on to pursue a solo career. A self-taught guitarist and keyboard player, Lewis was heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder and also drew inspiration from Joni Mitchell among others. With her blend of soul, folk, pop and reggae, she helped paved the way for today's artists like Des'ree and India.Arie. But after over a decade of non-stop touring, performing and recording, Lewis went on hiatus during the 1980s, spending over ten years in Los Angeles out of the public eye. Since 2006 Lewis has returned to the spotlight with a newly released album, Live in Old Smokey, which featured a string of new songs and previously released ones that have been re-recorded and she has been touring England. She has also collaborated with contemporary artists such as Basement Jaxx.
