Scott Walker, star of the Walker Brothers, dies aged 76 

Scott Walker, star of the Walker Brothers and one the most influential singers in rock history, has died aged 76.

A statement from his record label said: ‘For half a century, the genius of the man born Noel Scott Engel has enriched the lives of thousands, first as one third of The Walker Brothers, and later as a solo artist, producer and composer of uncompromising originality.’ 

The cause of death has not yet been announced.

Scott Walker has died aged 76, his record label announced on Monday. The cause of death has not yet been reported

Singer Scott Walker in London on 11th November 1970. He rose to fame as one of the Walker Brothers before forging his successful solo career

Singer Scott Walker in London on 11th November 1970. He rose to fame as one of the Walker Brothers before forging his successful solo career

Walker’s star rose in the mid-1960s as part of the Walker Brothers, with smash hits such as Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore and No Regrets.

His solo albums, Scott through to Scott 4, were hailed by critics and thought to be ambitious and innovative at the time.

Walker’s most recent compositions featured in the musical Vox Lux starring Natalie Portman, released last year.

Born in Ohio in 1943, Walker lived in Britain from 1965 to 1970 and became a citizen as his powerful baritone voice captured the hearts of listeners across the world.

Scott Walker performing on stage, he was born in Ohio but became a British citizen after working in London from 1965 to 1970

Scott Walker performing on stage, he was born in Ohio but became a British citizen after working in London from 1965 to 1970

Originally John Maus had taken the lead vocals, but producers in London soon realised it was Scott's powerful baritone voice which should take the lead

Originally John Maus had taken the lead vocals, but producers in London soon realised it was Scott’s powerful baritone voice which should take the lead

Scott Walker signs autographs for fans, with his bushy long hair - the Walker Brothers cultivated a wholesome family image

Scott Walker signs autographs for fans, with his bushy long hair – the Walker Brothers cultivated a wholesome family image

Noel Scott Engel began using his stage name of Scott Walker in the early 1960s when he was living in Los Angeles.

In 1954, he started performing with John Maus and they later linked up with Gary Leeds, whose father financially backed them to tour the UK. 

Maus originally took lead vocals when they began making records in London in 1965, but the label soon realised it was Walker’s voice which should take the lead with Love Her being an instant hit.

Their next release, Make It Easy on Yourself, went straight to UK number one in August 1965 and their next, My Ship Is Coming In, went to number one in the States.

Their fame in Britain was at one point rivalling that of the Beatles. 

Walker was the driving force for the band’s distinctive sound, but the pressure of orchestrating the hits grew on him and in 1967 the band broke up.

The Walker Brothers: John Maus, Gary Leeds and Scott Walker performing in 1966, Scott was credited with composing many of their greatest hits

The Walker Brothers: John Maus, Gary Leeds and Scott Walker performing in 1966, Scott was credited with composing many of their greatest hits

Walker singing in April 1966, they Walker Brothers were at one point rivalling the Beatles for fame in the United Kingdom where they were recording hits in London

Walker singing in April 1966, they Walker Brothers were at one point rivalling the Beatles for fame in the United Kingdom where they were recording hits in London

Walker later shunned the limelight and released solo albums including Scott, Scott 2, Scott 3 and Scott 4.

He explored darker themes and pushed his sound into more experimental territory, taking greater risks.

Walker combined songwriting with a passion for producing and worked with John Maus on his own solo projects, as well as other musicians.

In 1969, Walker had his own show on the BBC called Scott, performing ballads, big band classics and his own songs. 

In the 1970s The Walker Brothers reunited for their last album together.

In 2017, Scott’s music was celebrated with a Proms concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The record label said the singer ‘has been one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music’. 

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