More sad news on this Monday (March 25) as Scott Walker, one of the most influential and experimental voices in modern music, has died. He was 76.
The news was reported early this morning by his label, 4AD.
“For half a century, the genius of the man born Noel Scott Engel has enriched the lives of thousands,” wrote 4AD in a tribute, “first as one third of The Walker Brothers, and later as a solo artist, producer and composer of uncompromising originality.”
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke quickly chimed in as the news spread, citing Walker as “a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how I could use my voice and words.” Nigel Godrich called him “truly one of the greats… so unique and a real artist.”
4AD continued: “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… From teen idol to cultural icon, Scott leaves to future generations a legacy of extraordinary music; a brilliant lyricist with a haunting singing voice, he has been one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music, whose influence on many artists has been freely acknowledged. The scope and dynamism of his vision have added dimension to both film and dance, and he has stunned audiences with music whose composition transcends genre, and whose sheer originality defies pigeonholing.”
Walker was born in Ohio in 1943. He is survived by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly.
More to come…
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