Folk singer Roger Whittaker dies aged 87

A household statement, reported by German media outlet Bild, confirmed helium died connected September 13 successful a infirmary successful confederate France.

Whittaker was champion known for hits including Durham Town, New World In The Morning and a mentation of Wind Beneath My Wings – and being an adept whistler.

“Roger was an iconic artist, a fantastic hubby and father. He touched truthful galore hearts with his euphony passim his beingness and volition ever unrecorded connected successful our memories,” the household connection said.

Born successful Nairobi, Kenya successful 1936 to English parents, Whittaker enrolled astatine assemblage successful South Africa aft 2 years of nationalist subject service.

He arrived successful Britain successful 1959 to survey zoology, biochemistry and marine biology astatine the University of Bangor successful Wales, with his archetypal large release, Steel Men, entering the British charts arsenic helium sat his last grade exams.

Whittaker went connected to merchantability adjacent to 50 cardinal records and person 250 platinum, golden and metallic awards during his career, earlier retiring to France successful 2012.

Germany afforded the creator peculiarly precocious levels of fame and estimation arsenic helium could sing and grounds his songs successful German.

Tributes from crossed the English and German-speaking satellite were led by comedian and TV presenter Matt Lucas, who tweeted: “The large Roger Whittaker has passed away. I adored Durham Town and The Last Farewell.

“Beautiful, warm, catchy songs. I americium gladsome I got to spot him execute live.”

Whittaker leaves down his woman Natalie, who helium joined successful 1964, and their 5 children – Emily, Lauren, Jessica, Guy and Alexander.

He was cremated and buried successful a backstage ceremonial connected Saturday, Bild said.