Folk singer Roger Whittaker, famous for his 1969 hit song Durham Town and expert whistling, has passed away at the age of 87.
A family statement, reported by German media outlet Bild, confirmed he died on September 13 in a hospital in southern France.
Who was Roger Whittaker?
Roger Whittaker was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 22, 1936, and his parents were originally from Staffordshire, England.
After a motorbike accident, his father was advised to live in a hot, dry climate to recover from his injuries.
At Nairobi School, then named Prince of Wales, Roger was a member of the choir and gained top grades.
Within three weeks of leaving, Roger was drafted into national service.
He then initially studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, but left his course after 18 months and went in to teaching.
Roger moved to Britain in 1959 and studied zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology at Bangor University.
While there, he also composed songs for the university Rag Week show with “The Charge Of The Light Brigade” becoming his first single.
His next release, Steel Men, made it into the charts while he was still a student.
After university he had his first major breakthrough when he was signed to appear on an Ulster Television show called “This And That”.
Who is Roger Whittaker’s wife Natalie O’Brien?
In the spring of 1964, Roger Whittaker met Natalie O’Brien, who was the secretary of a music producer.
Natalie was born on August 9, 1941, and her father spearheaded Britain’s efforts to counter Nazi Germany’s propaganda during World War II.
Roger and Natalie were married on August 15 after a mere three month’s courtship.
She has been his manager since 1989 and they retired together in France in 2012.
Did Roger and Natalie have any children?
The pair were unable to have children in the early years of their marriage so adopted two girls Emily and Lauren.
Later on, they welcomed their three biological children Jessica, Guy and Alexander.
The couple are grandparents of twelve and their youngest daughter Jessica followed in her father’s musical footsteps.
She performed a duet on his singles “A Perfect Day” and “Do You Still Believe In Miracles”.
Roger Whittaker Net Worth
What was Roger Whittaker’s net worth at the time of his death?
Roger Whittaker amassed quite a fortune throughout his lifetime. According to Allfamousbirthday stood around $5 million at the time of his death.
Roger Whittaker cause of death
Roger Whittaker’s website announced his death with a picture of the late musician, alongside his year of birth and death.
He died of a stroke at his home in France, it is understood.
A family statement, reported by German media outlet Bild, confirmed he died on September 13 in a hospital in southern France.
Whittaker was famed for hits including Durham Town, New World In The Morning and a version of Wind Beneath My Wings.
He went on to achieve great success in folk music clubs and saw further fame when he collaborated with Des O’Connor for the Skye Boat Song in 1986.
‘Roger was an iconic artist, a wonderful husband and father. He touched so many hearts with his music throughout his life and will always live on in our memories,’ the family statement said.
Fans have been leaving comments in an online book of condolences.
One person wrote: “The Last Farewell….A truly great troubadour who brought so much pleasure wherever he performed.”
And comedian Matt Lucas also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “The great Roger Whittaker has passed away.
“I adored Durham Town and The Last Farewell. Beautiful, warm, catchy songs. I am glad I got to see him perform live.”
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