Roger Whittaker
Roger Henry Brough Whittaker (22 March 1936 – 13 September 2023) was a renowned Kenyan and British singer-songwriter and musician. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, to English parents, Whittaker was influenced by the music of East Africa, which left a lasting impact on his musical style. He was celebrated for his rich baritone voice, exceptional whistling ability, and guitar skills, blending folk and pop music in a style often described as 'middle of the road'.
Whittaker's early life included national service in the Kenya Regiment during the Mau Mau uprising. He initially pursued medical studies at the University of Cape Town but shifted to teaching and later studied zoology and marine biology at the University of Bangor in Wales, where he graduated with a B.Sc. degree. It was during his time in Wales that he began to compose songs, leading to his first single, "The Charge of the Light Brigade."
His career took off in the late 1960s and 70s with hits like "Durham Town (The Leavin')" and "The Last Farewell," the latter selling 11 million copies worldwide. Whittaker gained significant popularity in Europe and North America, particularly in Germany, where he recorded songs in German. He was known for his narrative songs and maintained a strong international following, performing for 25 years across Europe and North America.
Whittaker retired from performing in 2012 and settled in France with his wife, Natalie O'Brien, with whom he had five children. He passed away on 13 September 2023 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 50 million records sold worldwide.
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