Folk singer Roger Whittaker, a well-known personality noted for his beautiful songs and outstanding talent, passed away, and the music industry mourns his passing. On September 13, 2023, at the age of 87, he passed away at his home in France following a stroke.
Whittaker, Roger Died
Roger Whittaker, a beloved folk singer known for songs like “Durham Town” and his exceptional whistling skills, sadly passed away at the age of 87. On September 13th, 2023, he passed away at his house in France due to a stroke. Whittaker moved to the UK in 1959 after been born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1936. His incredible musical odyssey began in folk clubs, despite the fact that he initially pursued degrees in zoology and marine biology.
With the publication of “Durham Town” in 1969, he experienced breakthrough success that catapulted him into celebrity. Over 50 million records have been sold worldwide, and Roger Whittaker has a strong affinity for the music of East Africa, where he spent most of his formative years. Numerous people were affected by his songs, forever changing the landscape of folk music.
RIP Roger Whittaker whose death was announced today
Roger guested regularly on TV, including Top of the Pops after reaching number 1 in the charts twice
He was the host of Whittaker's World of Music in 1971
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker
22nd March 1936 – 13th September 2023 pic.twitter.com/yXFytzlLXv— TVARK (@tvark) September 18, 2023
Roger Whittaker: Who Was He?
Kenyan singer-songwriter and musician Roger Whittaker was born on March 22, 1936, and he passed away on September 13, 2023. He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, although his parents were English. Along with his remarkable singing voice, distinctive whistling ability, and guitar prowess, Roger was well known for his distinctive mix of folk music and popular melodies.
He is well known for the songs “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “Durham Town (The Leavin’),” and “I Don’t Believe in If Anymore.” With singles like “New World in the Morning” and “The Last Farewell,” which both peaked in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the latter of which peaked at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, he became well-known in the United States.
The versatility and melodiousness of Roger Whittaker’s talents, which cemented his place as a renowned personality in the music world, contributed to his widespread appeal, which peaked in Germany starting in the 1970s.
Birth Name |
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker |
| Date of Birth | 22 March 1936 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Colony and Protectorate of Kenya |
| Died | 13 September 2023 |
| Age at the Time of Death | 87 years |
| Place of Death | France |
| Genres | Popschlager |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer-songwriter, Teacher |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals, Whistling |
Roger Whittaker, a folk singer, what happened to him?
Folk singer Roger Whittaker, who passed away at the age of 87, was remembered around the world. He was well-known for songs like “Durham Town” and his superb whistling abilities, but on September 13, 2023, he passed away at his home in France due to a stroke. Despite the fact that he was born in Nairobi, Kenya, his travels took him to the UK in 1959. He began by exploring scholarly fields like zoology and marine biology, but his love of music eventually drew him into the world of folk clubs.
His career as a musician took off after “Durham Town” was released in 1969, which served as his breakthrough. Whittaker considered jobs in medicine and education, but as his songs rose in popularity on the charts, he decided on music. His transformation from a scholar to a musical legend is a spectacular chapter in his life story that will never be forgotten by his followers throughout the world.
Career of Roger Whittaker
The musical career of Roger Whittaker was extensive and distinguished. He began his adventure by studying zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology while playing at nearby clubs in the United Kingdom in the early 1960s. In 1962, he issued his professional first single, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and in 1966, after signing with EMI’s Columbia label, he changed his name to Roger Whittaker.
With “Durham Town (The Leavin’),” his first UK Top 20 song, he rose to prominence in 1969. With songs like “New World in the Morning” and his hallmark tune, “The Last Farewell,” which sold more than 11 million copies worldwide in 1975, he kept the public spellbound.
Whittaker, who initially lacked fluency in the language, also ventured into the country music genre with songs like “I Love You Because” and found great success there. In Germany, he issued 25 albums and developed a devoted following.
Roger Whittaker continued to make music in his senior years despite limiting his performances, demonstrating his enduring enthusiasm and talent in the music business.
Roger Whittaker’s Childhood
The early years of Roger Whittaker’s life were filled with a wide variety of experiences. His English parents, who had previously run a grocery store in Staffordshire, England, moved their family to Kenya after his father’s motorcycle accident. He was born in Nairobi, Kenya.
Both his grandfather and father were musically minded during Roger’s early years; his father played the violin, and Roger learned how to play the guitar. Whittaker first sought a profession in medicine at the University of Cape Town after finishing high school and served in the Kenya Regiment. He eventually changed his career, though, going into teaching like his mother. His early experiences in life established the foundation for his eventual career in music and teaching.
How Passed Away Roger Whittaker?
The renowned folk singer Roger Whittaker passed suddenly on September 13 at his home in France as a consequence of a stroke. At the age of 87, he passed away. A stroke is a medical disorder that develops when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, causing damage.
Tragically, Roger’s severe condition resulted in his death. In order to celebrate his life and his outstanding achievements to the music industry, his family has organised both a funeral in France and a memorial event in the United Kingdom. The result of this major health issue, which kept Roger Whittaker away from his devoted followers and loved ones, was his death.
