Canadian
Denyse Le Page, a singer-songwriter and part of the popular Montreal dance music duo Lime, passed away on May 20 at the age of 75 due to a stroke.
Lime originally featured the married couple Denis and Denyse Le Page, who scored a U. S. Billboard dance hit with “Your Love” in 1981. They released numerous albums throughout the ’80s and ’90s and performed until as recently as 2018, although others have also used the name Lime. Denis Le Page succumbed to cancer in 2023 at age 74. You can read a Billboard Canada FYI obituary here.
Before forming Lime, Denis Le Page was part of the band The Persuaders and in the mid-1970s created the jazz-fusion group Le Pouls with Denyse, who was an accomplished singer-songwriter herself. Denis made his first mark in music with the funky single ”The Break” in 1979 under the name Kat Mandu. Released through Unidisc Records, it also enjoyed success.
Lime debuted their album Your Love in 1981. The title track achieved gold status and became a Billboard Disco chart hit in the U. S. Their second album, Lime II, came out in 1982 featuring the single “Babe We’re Gonna Love Tonight.” The duo’s last notable track was “Unexpected Lovers” from 1985. As time went on, Denis transitioned while they continued to perform together.
With Unidisc owning Lime’s catalog, they were able to reissue and remix previous recordings by bringing Canadian dance producers Jacques Greene and Tiga onboard for new versions of classic tracks by the duo.
In its tribute to Denis Le Page, Canadian Press stated that ‘”With a stream of Billboard chart hits, Le Page helped define an era of Canada’s discotheques as part of the duo Lime. Identifying as non-binary later on, he took on the name Nini Nobless. His catchy synthesizer hooks turned Lime’s songs into favorites at dance clubs worldwide.”
In a statement shared on Lime’s Facebook page, Unidisc Records expressed their sorrow: ”We are deeply saddened to learn about Denyse Le Page’s passing; she was half of Montreal’s iconic dance music duo Lime. Her voice and artistry shaped an era defined by disco, synth pop, and Hi-NRG music that continues to motivate generations globally.”
”It was an honor for us to share Lime’s music over time. Her vibrant presence left a significant impact on early ’80s soundscapes that still resonates today. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans during this challenging period.”
Canadian DJ Vince Degiorgio shared his condolences via Facebook: ”I’m saddened by Denyse Le Page’s passing from Lime fame. As co-writer and vocalist behind some major dance hits from early ’80s Canadian history like ‘Babe We’re Gonna Love Tonight’ and ‘You’re My Magician,’ their tracks became timeless classics both locally and abroad.
”During this year’s NHL playoffs featuring Canadiens vs Hurricanes games; I couldn’t help but smile hearing one of my earliest promoted records as a DJ-‘Your Love.’ When discussing Denyse’s passing with colleagues last night it played four times! I had one of only a few opportunities ever to interview them live during my early days working for Unidisc before starting my own label-nothing ever sounded like Lime; often copied but never replicated. Rest In Peace Denyse.”
International
Sonny Rollins-the renowned “Saxophone Colossus” regarded among jazz history’s most significant figures-passed away at home in Woodstock New York on May 25 at age 95. His death was announced through his official website after he dealt with pulmonary fibrosis.
A Billboard tribute describes Rollins as ”the tenor saxophonist whose blend of technical skill along with melodic creativity established him as one highly influential personality within jazz history.”
”His departure signals closure for direct connections tracing back to jazz’s post-war golden era; having matured alongside greats such as Miles Davis or John Coltrane whilst outliving all those legends himself-his legacy remaining alive well beyond their own times spent pushing boundaries creatively since embarking upon professional recordings starting back in ’49 up until final performances recorded occurring around ‘12 along multiple releases exceeding sixty albums created personally while consistently being involved within cultural scenes right into advanced years.’
Brought up amidst Harlem following parental roots originating from U. S. V. I., Rollins embraced saxophones during teenage years beginning firstly upon alto then shifting focus onto tenor-the instrument he ultimately fell head over heels for firmly sticking till end-of-life adventures were lived fully across stages worldwide drawing audiences towards appreciating his unique stylings ranging anywhere between spontaneous jam sessions recorded beside talent such singers Babs Gonzalez or pianists Bud Powell prior turning just shy twenty years old when lucky enough performing alongside legendary figure Thelonious Monk himself!
An expansive obituary reported via Associated Press reveals how ”Rollins found himself collaborating earlier than completing high school jamming right next legendary musicians including both Miles Davis & Bud Powell eventually introduced him into industry long before taking down various challenges surrounding drug use facing setbacks two trips spent behind bars totaling thirteen months served followed closely encountering homelessness residing temporarily amongst streets located Chicago before finally checking-in seeking treatment provided within Lexington KY thus leading return back into playing world where he soon joined musical efforts involving Max Roach-Clifford Brown quintet thereafter..”
‘Billboard highlights that “This decade further cemented Sonny’s stature showcasing brilliance recognized widely establishing credibility solidified firmly through stunning solo projects emerging all throughout each year subsequently leading up towards monumental recording titled Saxophone Colossus produced within singular session carrying Prestige label-it remains deemed undeniably critical material capturing essence found entirely encapsulated amongst vast repertoire comprising many famed selections birthed previously.’
‘Amongst these gems featured unforgettable compositions titled St Thomas noted especially appreciated infused calypso rhythms which evolved subsequently becoming standard repertoire acknowledged widely! Following shortly thereupon were landmark LPs such Way Out West (1957) A Night At Village Vanguard(57) Freedom Suite(58)-each adding fresh layers contributing significantly enhancing overall reputation experienced constantly growing!’
“Feeling plateau reached after achieving immense heights set aside entire career path chosen whereby stepping back temporarily focusing solely honing personal craft alone atop Williamsburg Bridge based Downtown NYC ground level suddenly resulting breakthrough return marked success heralded against backdrop associated infamous album known simply bridging gap filled appropriately signifying journey culminating magnificent height attained!”
The Associated Press labeled him ”’restless genius whose distinctive timbre combined willingness exploring different genres kept vibrant contemporary feel ongoing sustaining innovation spanning across five decades!”’
“Riding waves emerged gaining attention capturing audiences enthralled engaged utilizing motifs developing transforming ideas rhythmically adding layers depth enriching listening experiences unfolding tales told purely sonorous voices deep resonating emotions inspiring connection enveloping art transcending mere performance definition entirely..””
‘Rock fans caught glimpse inspired piece found appended Rolling Stones’’83 record Tattoo You featuring heartfelt interlude laid down patiently crafted ballad Waiting On Friend devised ingeniously observed Mick Jagger move rhythmically undulating alongside while engaging fellow members inviting camaraderie sharing stage life brimming warmth human spirit palpable throughout events witnessed together!'”
‘Even though triumph surrounded chronologically measured milestones satisfied artist rarely reflected accolades amassed instead striving perfection tirelessly pursuing evolution internally extending awareness continuously evolving toward next frontiers undiscovered depths quest uncover new expressive possibilities…’
