Lillian Lopez. Photo Courtesy of Odyssey’s Facebook page.
n 1977, she and her group Odyssey released the song that would come to define her U.S. singing career for three decades, the disco hit “Native New Yorker.” The song goes:
“Runnin’ pretty, New York City girl
Twenty-five, thirty-five
Hello, baby, New York City girl
You grew up ridin’ the subways, running with people
Up in Harlem, down on Broadway
You’re no tramp, but you’re no lady, talkin’ that street talk
You’re the heart and soul of New York City”
Now Lillian Lopez is dead at the age of 76. She died Tuesday, after a bout with cancer.
Her son, Steven Andre, put this message on Odyssey’s Facebook page:
“It is with tremendous sadness that I announce the passing of my Mother, my mentor, and my very best friend, the founder and first voice of ODYSSEY, Lillian Lopez Collazo Jackson, who died peacefully in hospice on September 4th due to stage four cancer at the age of 76… She will live on in spirit through Annis, Anne, and me as we endeavour to carry on her legacy; to continue the musical journey that is, and always was, ODYSSEY… And of course, her magical voice can still be heard on practically any day, anywhere in the UK: When next you do, and if you can, TURN IT UP! She’d like that… Goodbye Ma, and Thank You…”
SoulTracks.com provides some of Odyssey’s history. While the group faded in America, it became very popular in Europe with several hits there between 1977 and 1983.
Do you remember Lopez or the song “Native New Yorker?” If so, leave a tribute to her below.
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God was nice enough to make me a native New Yorker. Great song & glad she made it! R.I.P. Lillian.
I was sad to hear of the passing recently of Lillian Lopez,i had the pleasure of working with Odyssey on a number of occasions whilst deejaying at numerous Warner Leisure Hotels venues in the UK. Not only was she a highly regarded vocalist,but also a really nice person,may she now be at peace,and her contributions to Odyssey’s music will live on for future generations to enjoy.
The last time i met her was when Odyssey were playing the final date of a theatre tour,at Thoresby Hall,Ollerton,Nottinghamshire,England. On the bill with Odyssey were The Real Thing and Rose Royce,i still have vivid memories of this night,my condolences go to Steven and all Lillian’s family.
R.I.P. Lillian…..
I was a 17 when this song came out during the Disco era, it made me feel great knowing I was born and raised in NY, also i used to hustle to this song, thanks for the memories Lillian may your singing soul rest in the heavens with our lord.
I remember this song..and it has always been one of my favorites. May she rest in peace!
I was born in the Bronx, and have heard this song countless times. Although my home is no longer in the Big Apple, it’s where the story began! May her soul rest in peace.