Singer Nicolette Larson Dies

LOS ANGELES - Singer Nicolette Larson, who lifted Neil Young's pop hit "Lotta Love" to the top of the charts in the 1970s, has died at 45.

Ms. Larson died yesterday of complications from cerebral edema - brain swelling caused by abnormal fluid accumulation - at the UCLA Medical Center, said her husband, drummer Russell Kunkel. He released no further details.

Ms. Larson performed with Jimmy Buffett and The Beach Boys. Her hits included "Rumba Girl," "Fool Me Again" and "That's How You Know Love's Right." She also had six critically acclaimed albums.

"It is a very sad day for music," musician Graham Nash said in a statement.

A native of Helena, Mont., Ms. Larson moved to California when she was 21. She said the song "Lotta Love" was a gift from Young.

"I got that song off a tape I found lying on the floor of Neil's car. I popped it in the tape player and commented on what a great song it was. Neil said, `You want it? It's yours.' "

Private funeral services were scheduled for Saturday. A memorial service was scheduled for January.