Twinkle (born Lynn Annette Ripley, 5 July 1948 – 21 May 2015) was an English singer-songwriter who achieved brief success in the British pop music scene of the mid-1960s. She is best known for her 1964 debut single "Terry," a controversial and melodramatic death disc that topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks.
Twinkle came from an affluent background, and her privileged upbringing contrasted sharply with the working-class themes explored in some of her songs. She wrote "Terry" at the age of 16, inspired by the death of a friend in a motorcycle accident. The song's graphic lyrics and subject matter generated both considerable publicity and some controversy, leading to a ban from the BBC.
Following the success of "Terry," Twinkle released several further singles, including "Golden Lights" (1965), later covered by The Smiths, and "Tommy" (1965). While she achieved moderate chart success, she never replicated the commercial impact of her debut single. She also released an album, "Golden Lights," in 1966.
By the late 1960s, Twinkle's music career had begun to fade. She continued to write songs and perform occasionally, but she largely withdrew from the public eye. In later years, she worked in advertising and remained involved in songwriting.
Twinkle died of cancer in 2015 at the age of 66. Despite the relatively short duration of her initial pop stardom, she remains a notable figure in the history of British pop music, primarily remembered for the impact and controversy surrounding her hit song "Terry." Her music, characterized by its distinctive blend of pop melodies and often dark or sentimental themes, continues to be appreciated by fans of 1960s British pop.