The news was confirmed by his record label, 4AD, who perfectly described the evolution of his musical career: "From teen idol to cultural icon." However, no cause of death has been revealed.
Born Noel Scott Engel in Ohio in 1943, he began his life in the music industry as a session bassist, before changing his name and joining the Walker Brothers in the 1960s. One of their most successful hits together is The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore.
Walker left the group to explore a completely different side of music, something much darker. He released numerous solo albums — the first being 'Scott', 'Scott 2', 'Scott 3' and 'Scott 4' in the late '60s — but in the late '70s did reconnect with the Walker Brothers and they penned their final album, 1978's 'Nite Flights'.
Walker was prolific throughout his life, continuing to release records in the '80s, '90s and '00s. Later in his career also turning his hand to composing film scores — 2016's The Childhood Of A Leader and 2018's Vox Lux.
Since the news of Walker's passing there has been an outpour of tributes online, including messages from Thom Yorke of Radiohead, producer Nigel Godrich, Nadine Shah, and Biffy Clyro, to name just a few.
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/awaFXWOkjapic.twitter.com/nd6MYVmWaO
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
So very sad to hear about Scott Walker.... truly one of the greats.. so unique and a real artist. On my way to work on the first day of recording OK Computer I passed him riding his bike on Chiswick High Street.. and when I got to the studio Thom was holding a copy of Scott 4..
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