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Primal Scream singer Denise Johnson dies 'suddenly' aged 56

EASTNOR, ENGLAND - AUGUST 5: Denise Johnson of A Certain Ratio performs on the Open Air stage during the first day of the Big Chill music festival at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in the Malvern Hills on August 5, 2005 in Herefordshire, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Denise Johnson performed backing vocals for many bands including A Certain Ratio at the Big Chill in 2005. (Getty Images)

Denise Johnson, who sang with acts such as Primal Scream, has died at the age of 56.

The Manchester-born musician performed backing vocals for many bands over the years including New Order and the Pet Shop Boys.

Johnson’s family have confirmed her death in a brief statement, reported the BBC, saying she had "died suddenly" after an illness.

The singer had been "ill in the week prior to her death, but told friends she was 'much better' on Friday".

George Clinton performing with Denise Johnson and Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream at NBC TV Studios, New York, United States 20 July 1996. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
George Clinton performing with Denise Johnson and Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream in 1996. (Getty Images)

"The cause of death is not yet known, although she was discovered holding her inhaler on Monday morning."

Johnson was perhaps best known for her vocals on Primal Scream's 1991 album Screamadelica featuring as the lead singer on Don’t Fight It, Feel It, and performing with the band from 1990 to 1995.

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Over the years she also worked with Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr’s duo Electronic, the Pet Shop Boys, Ian Brown, Suede’s Bernard Butler and the late INXS rocker Michael Hutchence.

She was due to release a solo album, entitled Where Does It Go, on 25 September.

Tributes to Johnson have flooded in from across the music industry.

Ian Brown, with whom she had also worked, tweeted: “RIP LOVELY DENISE JOHNSON X”

Bernard Butler tweeted: “I am saddened to hear of Denise Johnson's passing. I invited her to sing on my album because I heard her voice when I wrote the songs.

“I didn't ask for a backing singer; I asked for Denise Johnson. She was beautiful and alive and I am grateful my music was touched by her beauty.”

New Order said in a statement on Twitter: “New Order are devastated to hear the sad news that Denise Johnson has passed away. She was a beautiful person with a huge talent. Her voice graced many of our albums and live shows and that of our friends. We will miss her dearly.”

And Johnny Marr wrote: “Such sad news about our dear friend Denise Johnson. Playing alongside her was something else. It was a privilege to work with her.”

Post-punk group A Certain Ratio, with whom she had worked for 25 years and performed with recently, tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beautiful dear friend Denise has passed away. A full statement will be released later, for now please give her family and friends the space they need.

“Spend sometime listening to her wonderful voice, remembering her loving nature and infectious sense of humour.”