Trailblazing avant-garde musician Scott Walker has died, aged 76.
The iconic singer’s death was confirmed by his record label, 4AD, who credited him as “a solo artist, producer, and composer of uncompromising originality.”
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker. Scott was 76 years old and is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly: https://t.co/awaFXWOkja pic.twitter.com/nd6MYVmWaO
— 4AD (@4AD_Official) March 25, 2019
4AD confirmed his passing in a statement, although his cause of death is yet to be revealed.
The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Scott Walker.
“Scott was 76 years old and is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly.
“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.
“Scott Walker has been a unique and challenging titan at the forefront of British music: audacious and questioning, he has produced works that dare to explore human vulnerability and the godless darkness encircling it.”
Walker, born Noel Scott Engel in Hamilton, Ohio, rose to fame in the 1960s as a session musician within The Walker Brothers,
Comprising Gary Leeds, John Walker, and Scott, the Walker Brother’s signed a record deal and moved to Britain in 1965, going on to create number one hits with songs ‘Make It Easy on Yourself’ and ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)’.
In 1967, Walker went on to shine a spotlight on his experimental solo work, releasing his debut LP ‘Scott 1’.
The enigmatic singer went on to release eighteen records; an eclectic combination of his own work and collaborations.
Walker became a pioneering figure within the realm of experimental music, cited as a significant artistic influence to the likes of Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker and The Divine Comedy.
Photo by Stanley Bielecki via ASP/Getty Images
