Australian soul singer Renée Geyer has passed away aged 69 due to complications from surgery, her family have said in a statement.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Renée Geyer has passed away from complications following hip surgery. While in hospital, it was discovered that Renée also had inoperable lung cancer. She was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends.
“Naturally, we are all utterly devastated,” the statement reads.
“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.
“Renée is one of the most highly regarded singers in contemporary music – her unique vocal sound influences countless singers to this day.”
Geyer’s family went on to thank the staff at the University Hospital Geelong, and ask that in lieu of flowers, mourners make donations to Support Act.
With a performing and recording career spanning five decades. Geyer was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2013 she was the first woman to be inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame, and she received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards in 2018.
Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) have also released a statement mourning Geyer’s passing.
ARIA and PPCA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “Renée’s impact as a female singer with both an uncontainable voice and personality has been immeasurable for Australian music. Her love of soul music put Australia on the map for so many music lovers around the world, singing with influential artists from Neil Diamond and Joe Cocker, to Chaka Kahn and Bonnie Raitt. Our thoughts are with Renée’s family and friends as we celebrate the life of this incredible woman.”
Details of the memorial for Renée Geyer will be announced soon.