Roger Whittaker’s cause of death revealed after Durham Town folk singer died at home aged 87
ROGER WHITTAKER’s cause of death has been revealed after he passed away aged 87.
The folk singer was famous for his 1969 hit song Durham Town and expert whistling.
Now, The Sun can reveal he died from a stroke at his home in France on September 13th
The funeral will be in France next week with a memorial service in the UK to follow at a later date.
Roger previously told exactly how he would like to be remembered after his death.
He said: “I’d like to be remembered as somebody who wrote some pretty good songs – the sort of songs that people will listen to again and again.
“Durham Town is in the British Folk Library now and I’m delighted with that.”
His other hits included The Last Farewell and New World in the Morning.
Whittaker sold nearly 50 million records around the world.
The legend was born in Nairobi to English parents in 1936 before moving to Britain in September 1959.
The music of East Africa left a mark on Roger’s childhood.
He explained: “In over 30 years of singing and playing musical sounds – the wonderful drumming, and those marvelous, infectious rhythms – have played a great part in everything I have ever written and sung.”
Once in Britain he studied zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology, while pursuing a passion in music at local folk clubs.
After university he had his first major breakthrough when he was signed to appear on an Ulster Television show called “This And That.”
However, he did not gain much notoriety in England until he recorded his own compositions The Leavin’ (Durham Town) in 1969.
Roger also guested regularly on TV, including on Top of the Pops.
In 1971 he was the host of Whittaker’s World of Music.
Roger’s website tonight announced his death with a picture of the late musician, alongside his year of birth and death.
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.”