Evelyn’s journey began in Chicago in 1975, when she was discovered by young producer Ian Levine. Reflecting on their first meeting, Ian Levine said, “I first met her in 1975, in Chicago, when I was only twenty-two years old and she was only twenty-three. I immediately signed her as an artist and we recorded two Northern Soul songs, ‘Weak Spot’ and ‘Doomsday’, which were released on Twentieth Century Records, and both of which made the UK pop charts, and resulted in Evelyn flying to England to appear on Top of the Pops, in February of 1976.”

Her early success was just the beginning of a stellar career. In 1978, Evelyn signed with Casablanca Records and released her debut album ‘I Wanna Make It On My Own’. Ian Levine recalls this milestone: “In 1978 I got her signed to Casablanca Records for her very first ever magnificent album ‘I Wanna Make It On My Own,’ which I wrote and produced with my Irish production partner, Fiachra Trench.”

Despite the challenges posed by the disco crash of 1979, Evelyn and Ian persevered. Ian shared the struggle and triumph: “It took me another five years, after a terrible enforced period of no more record productions, after amassing insurmountable debts, occurring after the Disco crash of 1979. But in 1983 I returned with a bang, after selling two million records with Miquel Brown ‘So Many Men So Little Time’. This now gave me the funding to track down Evelyn, bring her over to England, and record ‘High Energy’ which Fiachra and I wrote specifically for her.”

‘High Energy’ became a massive hit, selling seven million records worldwide and cementing Evelyn’s status as a Hi-NRG legend. Ian Levine emphasized the unique nature of the song and Evelyn’s talent: “The whole idea was taken from ‘I Wanna Make It On My Own’, the song where her voice soared up with amazing high notes that lifted you up to the stratosphere. ‘High Energy’ was written uniquely and specifically for her, and nobody else in the world could ever have sung it.”

The partnership between Evelyn and Ian continued to flourish, producing more albums and unforgettable tracks. However, their journey was not without its difficulties. Ian recounted a significant turning point: “In 1985 I left Record Shack very acrimoniously, after a very severe punch in the face. I walked out from there, never to return, and I took Evelyn Thomas with me. In 1986 I formed my own new label, Nightmare Records, and Evelyn Thomas was our first ever release with ‘Tightrope’.”

Their collaboration extended into live performances, including a memorable appearance in Tokyo for a High Energy Festival in 1988. Yet, as time passed, they found themselves estranged until a recent reconnection. Ian shared this poignant moment: “We were then estranged for a further fifteen more years, but then a couple of months ago, knowing that she was dying, she reached out to me in love. Fiachra Trench and I, reunited after thirty-five years, immediately dropped everything and wrote one last song for her, a wonderful uplifting song called ‘Inspirational’. She loved it and she really wanted to sing it, but her health deteriorated far too fast and she simply could not do it.”

Evelyn’s daughter, Kimberly, who appeared in the 1984 video for ‘High Energy’ and is a singer known as Yaya Diamond, stayed by her mother’s side in her final moments. Kimberly plans to record ‘Inspirational’ as a tribute to her mother, ensuring Evelyn’s legacy continues through her music.

Ian Levine expressed his sorrow and admiration, saying, “It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protégé really has left us. Her music will outlive all of us.”

Let us celebrate the incredible talent and spirit she brought to the world. Evelyn’s music will always continue to resonate, inspire and uplift. Her high energy will live on forever – R.I.P.

Listen to The Best of Evelyn Thomas

 

News Coverage

BBC: High Energy singer Evelyn Thomas dies, aged 70

Metro: Evelyn Thomas, known for iconic 80s dance hit High Energy, dies aged 70

Billboard: Evelyn Thomas, Disco Queen Behind ‘High Energy,’ Dies at 70

People: Evelyn Thomas, ‘High Energy’ Singer and Influential Disco Figure, Dies at 70