Singer-songwriter Lisa Donnelly died on April 7, 2017 in San Francisco, Calif. — a week later, her Spotify streams soared 8200 percent, per a Nielsen Artist Report received by TheWrap.
Between those dates, the 37-year-old songwriter was remembered by friend and former roommate Gina Grad on “The Adam Carolla Show.” An emotional Grad — the podcast’s “News Girl” — gave a touching tribute and played a catchy Donnelly song, “Laugh,” for the audience. Appreciations for Grad’s sharing immediately poured in on Twitter.
In the interest of transparency, the baseline for weekly Donnelly streams was pretty consistent but fairly immaterial, aiding in the dramatic climb. On Spotify alone, Donnelly jumped from 41 weekly streams to 3,332. Including Napster and others, the total rose from 61 to 4,445 streams week over week.
Here’s how the Kansas native and Los Angeles transplant was remembered in her obituary:
“Lisa led her life with an open heart. She brightened every room she entered and her smile and spirit were infectious. She was inspiring to all who had the great fortune of coming into contact with her and the purest reflection of her soul: her music. Lisa was incredibly gifted and she leaves us with volumes of beautiful, powerful songs and poetry through which her memory will live forever.”
Listen to “Laugh” via YouTube above — if you dig it, the track off of her “We Had a Thing” album is available for 99 cents on iTunes. All sales proceeds will go to a trust for her nephews.
Donnelly’s family and friends laid her to rest this afternoon in Oakland, Calif.