Lightnin' Strikes Lightnin' Strikes "Lightnin' Strikes" is a song written by Lou Christie and Twyla Herbert, and recorded by Christie on the MGM label. It was a hit in 1966, making it first to No. 1 in Canada in January 1966 on the "RPM" Top Singles chart, then to No. 1 in the U.S. on the "Billboard" Hot 100 in February, No. 3 on the New Zealand "Listener" chart in May, and No. 11 on the UK "Record Retailer" chart. RIAA certification on March 3, 1966, garnering gold status for selling over one million copies. The song was arranged, conducted, and produced
Lou Christie Milan), stalled at #46 as Christie's career was temporarily derailed by his induction into the US Army. Christie would not have another charting single for two and a half years. Christie's career was quickly re-established after his discharge from the military when he signed with the MGM label. MGM reportedly disliked Christie's first single for the label, the Christie-Herbert song "Lightnin' Strikes." But Christie's new management promoted the record in California, and when it gained some traction (eventually reaching #2 on KHJ the last two weeks of 1965), MGM released it. "Lightnin' Strikes" reached #1 in the U.S. on Christie's