Vale: Julee Cruise

Singer Julee Cruise, best known as the vocalist on the iconic Twin Peaks theme “Falling”, has died aged 65.

Her husband, Edward Grinnant, revealed the news on a B-52’s Facebook page. Cruise was an occasional touring member of the band, acting as Cindy Wilson’s stand-in from 1992 to 1999.

“For those of you who go back I thought you might want to know that I said goodby to my wife, Julee Cruise, today,” he wrote. “She left this realm on her own terms. No regrets. She is at peace. Having had such a varied music career she often said that the time she spent as a B filling in for Cindy while she was having a family was the happiest time of her performing life. She will be forever grateful to them. When she first stepped up to the mic with Fred and Kate she said it was like joining the Beatles. She will love them always and never forget their travels together around the world. I played her Roam during her transition. Now she will roam forever. Rest In Peace, my love, and love to you all.”

Cruise was best know for her collaborative work with filmmaker David Lynch. Her biggest hit was “Falling,” with music by composer Angelo Badalamenti and lyrics by Lynch. An instrumental version of the song would become the indelible opening theme of Twin Peaks. She also appeared on the show several times as a singer at the bar, and her music was included on the show and the soundtrack.

Cruise returned to Twin Peaks in 2017 for the long-awaited third season of the series. She also performed the vocals on Lynch’s Blue Velvet.

Source: Variety