It really hasn't quite sunk in for anyone who has been around the Manchester music scene that singer Denise Johnson has tragically passed away at the age of 56.
Denise first came to prominence as the vocalist with 5th of Heaven way back in the late 1980s, before her incredibly powerful voice provided energy for an array of bands ranging from A Certain Ratio, to Primal Scream, Electronic and New Order. Latterly she had her own solo career and was about to release a new album of acoustic-led songs of Manchester classics.
Salford stars have paid tribute to Denise, including New Order, who tweeted that they were "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."
Peter Hook added "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..."
And Happy Mondays' Gaz Whelan tweeted: "One of those amazing musical talents that had no ego...sad sad day...I am lost for words..WHAT AN AMAZING VOICE...RIP Denise."
Other Manchester music legends joined in with their tributes, with Johnny Marr tweeting "Such sad news about our dear friend Denise Johnson. Playing alongside her was something else. It was a privilege to work with her."
And Rowetta tweeted: "Sad sad news today. 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...."
Salford Star editor, Stephen Kingston, adds "I first met Denise when she was the singer with 5th of Heaven, and what stood out was her amazing voice and a laugh that lit up the room.
"About a year later, as editor of arts and lifestyle mag, Avant, we set up an interview with Barry White and there was only one person to do it, soul to soul style Denise meet Barry White on the phone, of course at some weird hour from America.
"Just over a year ago we sat next to each other at the Forever Manchester Big Birthday Party and, despite all the acclaim in the in between years, she still fondly remembered her and Bazza...That night, she blew everyone in the Forever Manchester room away doing acoustic covers of Manchester classic songs, including I'm Not In Love and True Faith, a preview of a new album she was planning.
"The best tribute I can give Denise comes not from me but from the main man Barry White during that interview...'Love what you do, because it's not gonna last if you're just doing it for the money do it because you love it...'
"Denise loved singing. I was stunned and saddened by her passing. She was one of the few good guys left from that Manchester/Madchester haze...RIP."
Photos by Louise Garman
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