Current:Home > InvestFolk singer Roger Whittaker, best known for hits 'Durham Town' and 'The Last Farewell,' dies at 87-LoTradeCoin
Folk singer Roger Whittaker, best known for hits 'Durham Town' and 'The Last Farewell,' dies at 87
View Date:2024-12-23 19:25:09
Folk singer Roger Whittaker, known for hits "Durham Town" and "The Last Farewell," has died. He was 87.
"It is with great sadness we share the news of Roger's passing at age 87. His life, artistry and legacy has meant so much to so many all over the world," reads a statement that his friend, Jesse Waggoner, posted on Whittaker's Facebook page on Monday. "We are thankful that the gift of his music remains with us."
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Whittaker for more information.
A photo on the singer's website pays tribute to Whittaker, who was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to parents who hailed from Staffordshire, England, in 1936. The multi-lingual musician was known for his whistling and cultivated a passionate fanbase in Germany over the course of his career after performing there in 1976, according to his website. He sang German, learning the language phonetically.
Billy Miller,'Young and the Restless,' 'General Hospital' soap star, dies at 43
Roger Whittaker initially 'didn't have any faith' in his most popular song, 'Durham Town'
After serving in the Kenya Regiment, Whittaker went into teaching in the '50s and sang in local clubs during that time. By the time he moved to the U.K. to study zoology, biochemistry and marine biology at the University of Bangor in Wales, he started writing his own songs.
"Faced with the dilemma of which career to choose, Roger sought the advice from his professor," reads Whittaker's bio on his website. "'Take your chance,' he was advised. 'Have a try in show business and if you haven't made it in ten years, come back here and teach. I shall always have a place at the university for you.'"
In the fall of 1969, Whittaker's record company released his song "The Leavin' (Durham Town)," and it soon climbed the music charts. "I just didn't have any faith in that song at all," Whittaker recalled. "Far from promoting the single in Britain, I went off to Finland for a cabaret season and television appearances."
By the time he returned in November, "Durham Town" was rapidly climbing the British charts.
In 1971, Whittaker recorded one of his more popular songs, "The Last Farewell." The song, written by a silversmith from Birmingham, England, "broke down the barriers to success in America for Whittaker and opened up a vast new country for his music to explore," per his website.
Irish Grinstead,member of R&B girl group 702, dies at 43: 'Bright as the stars'
veryGood! (3554)
Related
- Judge extends the time to indict the driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother
- What's it like to train with Simone Biles every day? We asked her teammates.
- 'He was my hero': Hundreds honor Corey Comperatore at Pennsylvania memorial service
- Alabama birthing units are closing to save money and get funding. Some say babies are at risk
- Vogue Model Dynus Saxon Charged With Murder After Stabbing Attack
- Lou Dobbs, conservative pundit and longtime cable TV host for Fox Business and CNN, dies at 78
- Accused of biting police official, NYC Council member says police were the aggressors
- Comedian Bob Newhart, deadpan master of sitcoms and telephone monologues, dies at 94
- Taylor Swift touches down in Kansas City as Chiefs take on Denver Broncos
- FACT FOCUS: Heritage Foundation leader wrong to say most political violence is committed by the left
Ranking
- Officer injured at Ferguson protest shows improvement, transferred to rehab
- Chris Hemsworth Shares Family Photo With “Gorgeous” Wife Elsa Pataky and Their 3 Kids
- Kate Hudson Addresses Past Romance With Nick Jonas
- Anthony Hopkins' new series 'Those About to Die' revives Roman empire
- How Jersey Shore's Sammi Sweetheart Giancola's Fiancé Justin May Supports Her on IVF Journey
- Montana seeks to revive signature restrictions for ballot petitions, including on abortion rights
- Lou Dobbs, conservative political commentator, dies at 78
- Mississippi can wait to reset legislative districts that dilute Black voting strength, judges say
Recommendation
-
Bluesky has added 1 million users since the US election as people seek alternatives to X
-
Zach Edey injury update: Grizzlies rookie leaves game with ankle soreness after hot start
-
Netflix is ending basic $11.99 plan with no ads: Here's which subscription plans remain
-
Freaky Friday 2's First Look at Chad Michael Murray Will Make You Scream Baby One More Time
-
Inside Dream Kardashian's Sporty 8th Birthday Party
-
Kim Kardashian Reacts After Ivanka Trump Celebrates Daughter's 13th Birthday With Taylor Swift Cake
-
Bangladesh security forces fire bullets and sound grenades as protests escalate
-
Priscilla Presley sues former associates, alleging elder abuse and financial fraud