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| Photography by Pete Saunders©️ Linda Lewis, I say her name and I break into an immediate smile, for that's the only reaction that matched her personality. Linda was many things to a lot of people but first and foremost she was a much-loved daughter, a hugely cherished sister, a well-respected aunt, and a valuable friend. She was warmth, laughter, and determination. Music was a big part of what she loved and who she was, but she was so much more than just music. She was a force of nature and would have left a lasting impression whatever her chosen career. |
One of the most entertaining memories I have of Linda (there were so many) was a takeover of the bedroom in her brother's flat at a party. She was perched on the bed chatting to a friend among the coats. Linda decided anyone one who entered the room to sit on the bed and chat, should be subjected to questioning. It was most certainly Linda’s take on The Big Breakfast Bed, she called it The Bed of Truth. If you sat on it you had to answer any question that Linda asked, I saw people enter the doorway and then leave abruptly when she mentioned the purpose of The Bed of Truth.
Linda was an East End girl through and through who respected and protected her own community fiercely. She knew everyone in the local area, just as many saw her grow from a young girl to a successful musical artist. The industry took the girl out of Canning Town but you could never take Canning Town out of the girl.
Your vibrancy and beautiful soul will be forever missed, Linda.
September 1950 / May 2023
I dedicate this blog to an equally talented local musician whom I had the utmost love and respect for, Tony Hill.
