LONDON, March 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Singer-songwriter Scott Walker has died
aged 76, his record label said on Monday, after a career that took him from
1960s pop icon to 21st-century avant-garde musician.
US-born Walker, who acquired British citizenship, was the lead singer of
the 1960s band The Walker Brothers.
The baritone vocalist began his solo career in 1967 and was credited as an
influence on top British acts over several decades including David Bowie,
Pulp and Bat for Lashes.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker,” his
label 4AD said on Twitter.
“Scott was 76 years old and is survived by his daughter, Lee, his
granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner, Beverly,” it said, calling Walker
“a unique and challenging titan at the forefront of British music”.
The Walker Brothers scored number one hits in Britain with “Make It Easy
On Yourself” in 1965 and “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” in 1966.
Other hits included “(Baby) You Don’t Have to Tell Me” and “Another Tear
Falls” (1966), and “No Regrets” (1975).
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke called Walker “a kind gentle outsider” and
“a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how I could use my
voice and words”.
A multi-instrumentalist, composer and record producer, Walker had solo
hits with “Jackie” (1967), “Joanna” (1968) and “Lights of Cincinnati” (1969).