Renée Geyer Dies Aged 69

Australian soul singer Renée Geyer Has died at the age of 69.

As reported by the ABCGeyer, who had suffered complications from hip surgery, died. “While in hospital, it was discovered that Renee also had inoperable lung cancer,” Geyer’s family said in a statement. “She was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends. Naturally we are all utterly devastated.”

Renée Geyer – ‘Heading In The Right Direction’

“Just last month, Renée sang to a full house and was looking forward to another busy year ahead doing what she loved most – performing for her loyal fans around the country,” the statement continued. “Renée is one of the most highly regarded singers in contemporary music – her unique vocal sound influences countless singers to this day.”

Famed for her warm, husky vocals, Geyer rose to fame in the ’70s off the back of hit single ‘Heading In The Right Direction’. She worked with Joe Cocker, Chaka Khan, Sting, and Chaka Khan. She was inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005 and became the first woman inducted into Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2013. She was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 at the Australian Women in Music Awards.

Geyer was not a stranger to controversy in recent years – as the ABC notes, she received a good behaviour bond in 2015 for verbally abusing a hotel receptionist and was accused of using racist language in the incident.

She was still performing throughout Australia. Geyer’s family said in lieu of flowers or other tributes, they encourage donations to music charity Support Act as a “way of giving back to an industry that gave her so much.”