Influential Music Icon Scott Walker Passes Away

Experimental pop singer-songwriter Scott Walker has passed away aged 76.

The prolific and eclectic artist’s label, 4AD, confirmed his passing earlier today, stating he had “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”.

Walker burst onto the scene in the ‘60s as part of pop outfit The Walker Brothers, producing megahits Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore, before going on to have a critically-lauded solo and composing career.

His solo career began in 1967 with the release of Scott, and he shifted from symphonic pop to more experimental sounds over the decades, collaborating with Nick Cave, Sunn O))), Bat For Lashes and more, while influencing the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Thom Yorke, David Bowie and Leonard Cohen.

“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,” 4AD said.

“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.”

Last year, Walker wrote and produced the score for Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux, which featured music from Sia and starred Natalie Portman, Raffey Cassidy and Jude Law.

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