Renowned folk singer Roger Whittaker, celebrated for his 1969 chart-topper ‘Durham Town’ and exceptional whistling prowess, has died aged 87.
With a musical career marked by hits such as ‘The Last Farewell’, ‘My Land is Kenya’ and ‘New World in the Morning,’ Whittaker’s website notes that he sold nearly 50 million records worldwide.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1936, Whittaker’s parents hailed from Staffordshire, England. After fulfilling his national service in Kenya, he initially pursued a career in medicine. However, his passion for music eventually took precedence. During his university days, he frequented local clubs, crafting his songs and honing his singing skills.
His trajectory in the medical field was cut short after 18 months, leading him to transition to teaching. In 1959, he relocated to the University of Bangor in Wales to obtain a teaching qualification. It was during this time that he composed songs for university events like Rag Week and sent a demo track to a music publisher.
His journey began in folk clubs, but he soon found success with notable tracks like the “Skye Boat Song,” and a memorable duet alongside Des O’Connor in 1986.
One of Whittaker’s remarkable talents was his ability to sing fluently in several languages, including German and French. This linguistic versatility allowed him to captivate a broad international audience, particularly in Germany, where he enjoyed significant popularity.
In 2012, Roger Whittaker retired alongside his wife, Natalie, in France, capping off a remarkable musical journey that left an indelible mark on the world of folk music.
