Johnny Marr and Peter Hook are among music stars who have paid tribute to Manchester-born singer Denise Johnson.
Johnson, who was found dead on Monday, was known for her work on Primal Scream’s critically acclaimed 1991 album Screamadelica, and also featured on records from some of her home town’s biggest bands, including New Order.
Her solo acoustic album, Where Does It All Go, is set to be released in September.
A statement regarding our dear beautiful friend Denise Johnson on behalf of her family and beloved @sue_langford pic.twitter.com/bxGckj8vR1
— Michelle Hussey (@MichelleLHussey) July 27, 2020
A statement from her family said Johnson “died suddenly” and had been “ill in the week prior to her death, but told friends she was ‘much better’ on Friday”.
No cause of death was announced.
Tributes were paid from across the music industry, with former Smiths guitarist Marr saying it had been a “privilege to work with her”.
Such sad news about our dear friend Denise Johnson. Playing alongside her was something else. It was a privilege to work with her. pic.twitter.com/QnY0Rsqx2Z
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 27, 2020
He tweeted: “Such sad news about our dear friend Denise Johnson. Playing alongside her was something else.”
Hook, former bassist of New Order, said: “Shocked and saddened to hear about Denise – my heart goes out to the Johnson family for their terrible loss. Rest in peace Denise, singing with the angels. X.”
Johnson sang alongside Manchester band A Certain Ratio for more than 25 years, according to her family’s statement.
Shocked and saddened to hear about Denise – my heart goes out to the Johnson family for their terrible loss. Rest in peace Denise, singing with the angels. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) July 27, 2020
The band asked fans to “spend some time listening to her wonderful voice, remembering her loving nature and infectious sense of humour”.
Rowetta, a singer known for her work with the Happy Mondays, said Johnson’s death was “sad, sad news”.
She tweeted: “I have so many great memories of Denise from when we were young. We just used to sing & laugh like naughty schoolgirls all the time. A great loss to Manchester and music. My condolences to her family & loved ones.”
Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown wrote: “RIP LOVELY DENISE JOHNSON X.”
Bernard Butler, best known for his work with Suede, asked Johnson to perform on his album.
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.
— Bernard Butler (@Bernard_Butler) July 27, 2020
“I am saddened to hear of Denise Johnson’s passing,” he said. “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 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. pic.twitter.com/9elTLCiHG8
— New Order (@neworder) July 27, 2020
New Order’s official Twitter account said the band was “devastated” by Johnson’s death.
It added: “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.”
Electronica act 808 State said Johnson’s “voice sews so many memories together in many contexts”.