Who Is Roger Whittaker?
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker, born on March 22, 1936, is a British singer-songwriter and musician who was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to English parents.
He is well-known for his peculiar fusion of folk and pop tunes, his distinctive baritone singing voice, amazing whistling prowess, and guitar prowess.
Along with his original songs like “Durham Town (The Leavin’)” and “I Don’t Believe in If Anymore” from 1969 and 1970, Whittaker achieved international acclaim for his performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings” in 1982.
His number-one songs on the charts include “New World in the Morning” from 1970 and “The Last Farewell” from 1975, which peaked at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He is renowned for his renditions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Ding! Dong! Merrily on High.”
“Albany,” one of his last popular singles, peaked at No. 3 in West Germany in 1982.
Edward and Vi Whittaker, Whittaker’s English parents, ran a grocery store in Staffordshire. After Edward’s motorbike accident, they moved to Kenya, where young Roger was raised on a farm close to Thika.
His father, who played the violin, and his grandpa, who performed in nightclubs, were his main musical influences. Throughout his upbringing, Roger picked up the guitar.
Whittaker attended primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and then enlisted in the Kenya Regiment to battle the Mau Mau in the Aberdare Forest. He completed his military service in 1956 and enrolled at the University of Cape Town in South Africa to begin his medical career.
He eventually changed course, though, and became a teacher in the civil service, following in the footsteps of his mother.
When Whittaker immigrated to Britain in 1959, his recording and performance careers started to take shape.
He performed in local bars, released songs on Flexi discs with the college newspaper, and studied zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology while attending the University College of North Wales.
In 1962, he signed with Fontana Records, and through appearances on the Ulster Television programme “This and That,” he received exposure. His first UK Top 20 hit came with his breakthrough song, “Durham Town (The Leavin’),” which was released in 1969.
Whittaker continued to put out popular singles and albums in the ensuing years, releasing music in several languages and genres.
Despite not speaking German well, he recorded songs in the country and was successful there. Throughout his career, Whittaker’s German followers remained devoted, and he got praise and appearances on numerous TV programmes there.
In Whittaker’s private life, he married Natalie O’Brien in 1964; she later took over as his manager. Together, they are parents to five kids.
Whittaker’s mother was brutally attacked in 1989, and sadly, his father was killed. Whittaker promotes a hate-free existence despite the difficulties. In 1986, his and his wife’s book, “So Far, So Good,” was released.
Whittaker travelled extensively throughout his career, giving performances in Germany and the US. Numerous honours, such as gold, silver, and platinum certificates for his record sales, have been given to him.
He was given the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors’ (BASCA) “Gold Badge Award” in 1988.
Roger Whittaker’s broad catalogue, catchy melodies, and ability to hold audiences spellbound with his unusual voice, whistling prowess and guitar playing have left a lasting impression on the music industry.
Roger Whittaker’s Cause Of Death
Roger Whittaker is currently 87 years of age and very much alive. He continues to inspire audiences with his music and entertain with his distinctive voice and whistling ability. Roger Whittaker remains an active and influential figure in the music industry.
He has a long-lasting legacy in the music industry and is still adored by fans throughout for his timeless tunes and compelling performances. The legacy of Roger Whittaker is still quite visible today.
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