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

Scott Walker, who rose to fame as part of The Walker Brothers, has died aged 76.

The record company 4AD announced the death on Monday. In a statement the company described the American-British singer-songwriter as “one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music, whose influence on many artists has been freely acknowledged”.

“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 first rose to fame in the mid-1960s in the group The Walker Brothers, with their single ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore’ reaching number one in the UK. He went on to released 14 solo albums, beginning with Scott, Scott 2, Scott 3 and Scott 4, all of which were hailed by critics as ambitious and innovative.

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke was among those paying tribute. “He was a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how I could use my voice and word,” Yorke wrote on Twitter.

So very sad to hear that Scott Walker has passed away, he was a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how i could use my voice and words. Met him once at Meltdown, such a kind gentle outsider. He will be very missed. https://t.co/v33Ey91hbn

— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) March 25, 2019

Meanwhile, English singer-songwriter Marc Almond wrote: “Absolutely saddened shocked by the death of Scott Walker. He gave me so much inspiration so much I owe to him.”

Walker is survived by his partner Beverly, his daughter Lee and his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee.

Were you a fan of The Walker Brothers? Do you have a message for Scott Walker’s family?