Roger Whittaker Died, Who Was Roger Whittaker? What Happened to Folk Singer Roger Whittaker?
by S Samayanka
Updated Sep 19, 2023
Roger Whittaker Died
Folk singer Roger Whittaker, known for hits like "Durham Town" and his whistling prowess, sadly passed away at the age of 87. He died from a stroke at his home in France on September 13th, 2023. Whittaker, born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1936, moved to the UK in 1959. While he initially pursued studies in zoology and marine biology, his passion for music led him to folk clubs, where he began his musical journey.
His breakthrough came with "Durham Town" in 1969, propelling him to stardom. Whittaker's legacy includes selling over 50 million records worldwide and being deeply influenced by the music of East Africa during his childhood. His music touched the hearts of many, leaving behind a lasting imprint in the world of folk music.
Who Was Roger Whittaker?
Roger Whittaker, born on March 22, 1936, and passing away on September 13, 2023, was a Kenyan singer-songwriter and musician. Despite being born in Nairobi, Kenya, he had English parents. Roger was known for his unique blend of folk music and popular songs, as well as his remarkable singing voice, distinctive whistling talent, and guitar skills.
Some of his most famous songs include "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Durham Town (The Leavin')", and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore". He gained recognition in the United States with hits like "New World in the Morning" and "The Last Farewell" , which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
While his popularity extended globally, especially in Germany from the 1970s onward, Roger Whittaker left a lasting impact on the music world with his versatile and melodious talents, making him a beloved figure in the world of music.
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
Birth Name
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker
What Happened to Folk Singer Roger Whittaker?
Folk singer Roger Whittaker passed away at 87. He was famous for songs like "Durham Town" and his exceptional whistling. His cause of death was a stroke, which occurred at his home in France on September 13, 2023. While born in Nairobi, Kenya, he moved to Britain in 1959. Roger studied various subjects, including zoology and marine biology, but his love for music led him to perform in folk clubs.
His breakthrough came with "Durham Town" in 1969. He had a passion for music and education. Although he initially wanted to become a teacher or doctor, he chose music after his songs entered the charts. Whittaker's journey from academics to music legend is a remarkable part of his story, leaving a lasting impact on fans around the world.
Roger Whittaker Career
Roger Whittaker had a diverse and remarkable career in the world of music. He started by studying subjects like zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology in the UK while singing in local clubs during the early 1960s. His first professional single, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was released in 1962, and he later switched to EMI's Columbia label in 1966, where he adopted the name Roger Whittaker.
In 1969, he gained recognition with "Durham Town (The Leavin')," his first UK Top 20 hit. He continued to impress with songs like "New World in the Morning" and his signature hit, "The Last Farewell," which sold over 11 million copies worldwide in 1975.
Whittaker also ventured into country music with "I Love You Because" and found success in Germany with German-language songs, even though he initially didn't speak the language fluently. He released 25 albums in Germany and developed a devoted fan base there.
In his later years, he limited his performances but continued to create music, demonstrating his enduring passion and talent in the music industry.
Roger Whittaker Early Life
Roger Whittaker's early life was marked by diverse experiences. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, to English parents who originally owned a grocery shop in Staffordshire, England, his family moved to Kenya due to his father's motorcycle accident.
Growing up, his grandfather and father were musical, with his father playing the violin, and Roger learning to play the guitar. After finishing high school and serving in the Kenya Regiment, Whittaker initially pursued a career in medicine at the University of Cape Town but later switched to teaching, following in his mother's footsteps. These early life experiences laid the foundation for his later journey in music and teaching.
How Did Roger Whittaker Die?
Roger Whittaker, the folk singer, died due to a stroke at his home in France on September 13th. He was 87 years old. A stroke is a medical condition where there's a sudden problem with the blood supply to the brain, causing damage.
In Roger's case, it led to his passing. His family has planned a funeral in France and a memorial service in the UK to honor his life and music career. Roger Whittaker's death was a result of this serious health event, which took him away from his fans and loved ones.
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Roger Whittaker Died - FAQs
Roger Whittaker passed away due to a stroke at his home in France on September 13, 2023.
Roger Whittaker was a Kenyan-born singer-songwriter known for his folk music and hits like "Durham Town."
His famous songs include "Wind Beneath My Wings," "Durham Town (The Leavin')," and "The Last Farewell."
He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to English parents.He learned to play the guitar and initially pursued medicine before becoming a teacher.
His career spanned several decades, with hits in the UK and internationally. He ventured into country music and gained a loyal fan base in Germany with German-language songs.