The group rode the disco wave, and while they had moderate success in the US with songs like "Inside Out," they had much more acclaim in Europe, where they scored several hits between 1977 and 1983. But "Native New Yorker" became their calling card for the next three decades. The group, which changed members over the years, continued to perform around the world into the last decade.

(September 5, 2012) We've just learned that Lillian Lopez , a founding member and lead singer of the group Odyssey, known to most music fans for their 1977 hit "Native New Yorker," has died at age 76 after an extended illness. Lillian, along with sister Louise, formed the group with singer Tony Reynolds, who was later replaced by Bill McEachern.

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(September 5, 2012) We've just learned that Lillian Lopez, a founding member and lead singer of the group Odyssey, known to most music fans for their 1977 hit "Native New Yorker," has died at age 76 after an extended illness. Lillian, along with sister Louise, formed the group with singer Tony Reynolds, who was later replaced by Bill McEachern.

The group rode the disco wave, and while they had moderate success in the US with songs like "Inside Out," they had much more acclaim in Europe, where they scored several hits between 1977 and 1983. But "Native New Yorker" became their calling card for the next three decades. The group, which changed members over the years, continued to perform around the world into the last decade.

The Odyssey tribute page on Facebook included the following message from Lillian's son Steven Andre:

"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..."



She will be missed.

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