Written by: Alex Green

A GoFundMe has been launched to pay for the Manchester musician Denise Johnson’s funeral costs.

A powerful singer whose vocals can be heard on albums by Primal Scream, A Certain Ratio and New Order, Johnson died this week at 56.

Although the cause of death is unknown, Johnson’s family issued a statement that she had “died suddenly” after an unnamed illness.

Organizer Elliot Eastwick wrote: “Along with and with the blessing from Denise’s family I’ve set this fundraiser up to pay for her funeral. We all miss her and loved her dearly.
Please help if you can.”

Johnson might be known first and foremost for her collaboration with Primal Scream on their landmark 1991 record Screamadelica, but her body of work goes far beyond that.  She also sang with Electronic, The Pet Shop Boys, Michael Hutchence, Ian Brown, The Charlatans, Beth Orton and Bernard Butler.

Johnson’s solo album, which is due out in September, is an acoustic offering titled Where Does It Go. Comprised of covers of songs by The Smiths and New Order, it also is set to feature original compositions.

“It was a privilege to work with her…” Johnny Marr tweeted.

“She was a beautiful person with a huge talent,” New Order wrote. “Her voice graced many of our albums and live shows and that of our friends. We will miss her dearly.”