Singer Julee Cruise Dies Aged 65

Julee Cruise, widely known for her song “Falling,” the theme for the legendary television series “Twin Peaks,” died at 65, according to author Edward Grinnan, who is also her husband.

Born on December 1, 1956, Julee Cruise began singing professionally at 11 and obtained a French horn degree from Drake University. She has played with several symphony orchestras and performed as a singer and actress.

She started collaborating with David Lynch in 1986 when he did his first film titled “Blue Velvet.” When he debuted “Twin Peaks” in 1990, David Lynch used her song “Falling” as the theme song. He had written the lyrics for the Angelo Badalamenti-written instrumental. 

Julee Cruise and Edward Grinnan at the New York Fashion Week: The Shows on February 11, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Cruise’s collaborative efforts with Lynch topped the Australian singles chart, reached No 7 in the UK charts, and was a hit across Europe. She also included it in her 1989 debut album, “Floating Into the Night.”

The singer, whose death was announced on Facebook, had songcraft that earned her a passionate cult following. Cruise’s ethereal music drew fans to her deceptively pristine and innocent delivery.

David Lynch, Julee Cruise, and Angelo Badalamenti in New York on October 25, 1989 | Source: Getty Images

SINGER JULEE CRUISE DIES AGED 65

While announcing the death of Cruise on his Facebook page, her husband, Grinnan, informed his fans that he was saying goodbye to his wife. He said:

“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.”

He also revealed that Cruise felt like she was joining the Beatles when she first stepped up to the mic with Fred and Kate, and she would always love them and never forget their travels around the world. He further stated that he played her “Roam” during her transition, and now Cruise will roam forever.

Julee Cruise singing on “Twin Peaks” on April 8, 1990 | Source: Getty Images

JULEE CRUISE, A VOICE OF “TWIN PEAKS:” ABOUT THE SERIES

“Twin Peaks” was an American mystery serial drama series created by Mark Frost and David Lynch, which premiered on ABC on April 8, 1990, and was canceled in 1991 after two seasons.

They followed the original series with a feature film, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” in 1992, which served as a prequel and sequel to the series. A third limited series premiered on May 21, 2017, with 18 episodes.

Photo of Julee Cruise circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Cruise, who had appeared in several episodes of “Twin Peak,” made another guest appearance in episode 17 of season 3. After her part in the episode, she said she was done. The singer took to Facebook and wrote:

“I’m done. And I could care less about TP. My subconscious never lies……I have my answer now of what I will do with the rest of my life!”

She clarified in the comments section, admitting to screaming her face off while watching the show. Despite her concerns, Cruise said Lynch tried everything he could to bring her back for an appearance, and then he cut her scene terribly.

Julee Cruise performs at the sixth annual “Twin Peaks” UK Festival on October 3, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Cruise went on to say that Lynch treated her like “trash,” and she called the post-production work a “slap in the face.” However, Cruise said she was proud of her work with Lynch over the years as she recognized how it had influenced the new generation of singers and musicians like Sky Ferreira. 

Before Cruise’s death, the “Falling” singer released other albums with different producers, toured with the B-52s’ Cindy Wilson, and frequently performed with Bobby McFerrin.

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