celebrity radar - gossips
Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise
Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise
The singer Roger Whittaker (“Albany”) is dead. He died on September 13th at the age of 87, as his record company Sony Music announced to the German Press Agency on Monday. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on it.
Whittaker had been living in seclusion for years
Anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 80s heard Roger Whittaker’s music – whether voluntarily or involuntarily. His songs were played by his parents or grandparents. The British singer with the gentle baritone voice was often a guest on the ZDF hit parade and other TV entertainment shows. Feel-good hits and catchy ballads – some say tearjerkers – were his forte. Whittaker sold millions of records not only in Germany. Now he has died.
“Farewell is a sharp sword that often cuts deep into your heart,” says one of his biggest hits. “Someday the best time will come to an end, ooh ooh.” And so Whittaker withdrew from the public years ago. “Unfortunately, Roger has completely retired and is no longer giving interviews,” wrote his agent in response to a request from the German Press Agency on the singer’s 85th birthday in 2021.
Studies financed with performances in clubs and pubs
At the beginning of the 1960s, the musical career of the trained zoologist, marine biologist and biochemist took off. The son of English immigrants was born in 1936 in Nairobi in what was then the British colony of Kenya. After military service, dropping out of medical school in Cape Town and a temporary job as a teacher in Nairobi, Whittaker moved to Europe. He completed a second course of study in Wales with a Bachelor of Science.
He financed his studies by performing as a singer in clubs and pubs – and also composed his own songs. So one thing led to another. In 1962 he recorded his first single “The Charge Of The Light Brigade”, a pompous country number. The musician only found his own style, with which he enjoyed worldwide success, at the end of the 1960s.
Whittaker’s most prominent fan: US President Bush
According to Whittaker, beard growth also played a role. “Early in my career I saw myself on television and thought: This face won’t work,” he told the Daily Express years ago. “So I grew the beard back that I had in university.” Still, he never looked like a pop star. With a Henriquatre beard, jacket, glasses and hair that had turned gray since the 80s, he looked like the friendly man next door – a likeable and authentic image that matched his music.
The all-whistled instrumental number “Mexican Whistler” was his first hit in the UK in 1967. The ballad “Durham Town” marked the big breakthrough two years later. Songs like “The Last Farewell” or “Indian Lady” soon made Roger Whittaker popular in other countries. His most prominent fan was former US President George HW Bush, who invited him to his house and sang at his golden wedding anniversary.
African influences in Whittaker’s music
One of Whittaker’s biggest hits, “The Last Farewell”, only became a success four years after its release. After the song made it onto American radio and the US top 20 in 1975, it also became a huge success in Europe. In the UK it reached number 2 on the charts, just behind Rod Stewart’s “Sailing”. Later even Elvis Presley recorded “The Last Farewell”.
Here and there, Whittaker’s music contained the African influences that he had absorbed during his youth in Nairobi. “The beautiful drumming and those wonderful, infectious rhythms have been a major influence in everything I’ve ever written and sung,” Whittaker was quoted as saying on his website.
Huge Whittaker fan base in Germany
He had his most loyal fan base in Germany. He therefore recorded many songs in German using phonetic transcription, although he had to struggle with the umlauts. “The worst German word is tenderness,” joked the songwriter in a 2012 “BamS” interview. “So purely phonetically, of course.” His greatest successes include “Albany” and “Farewell is a Sharp Sword”, which were written by the composer and producer Klaus Munro.
From the 80s onwards, Whittaker’s style increasingly shifted to German hits – stylistically somewhere between the Flippers and Howard Carpendale. In 1986 he sang: “I need a little aroma, a little Paloma, a little chichi today, Chérie!” Whittaker released dozens of albums in Germany. For his life’s work, the British gentleman of the German hit was honored with the “Platinum Tuning Fork” and the “Crown of Folk Music”.
Roger Whittaker also lived up to his friendly image in his private life. The family man and dog fan had been married to his wife Natalie since 1964, who later also became his manager. The couple has five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After living in Ireland for a long time, the Whittakers moved to the south of France in 2012 – for the warmer weather, of course.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu II, CON, the Emir of Biu, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of ‘Sarkin Yaki Biu Emirate’ on Major General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) in recognition of his immense contributions to security and peace in Borno State and Nigeria at large.
The Emir described General Bulama Biu as a fearless and patriotic son of the Emirate who played a critical role in the fight against Boko Haram, bringing stability to the region. “The people of Biu Emirate are proud of you as a very distinguished professional soldier,” the Emir declared.
Reacting to the honor, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR, commended the Emir of Biu for recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of General Bulama Biu. He highlighted the retired general’s outstanding military service, particularly his leadership as GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 3 MNJTF, where he exhibited remarkable bravery and tactical excellence.
“General Bulama Biu is a warrior whose contributions to national security will never be forgotten,” Buratai stated. “His military career was shaped by discipline, courage, and an unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria. This honor by the Emir of Biu is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the Emirate and the nation with distinction.”
Buratai further noted that General Bulama Biu follows in the footsteps of his late father, Major Bulama Biu MON, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who was highly respected for his role in training generations of military officers.
Borno State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, also congratulated General Bulama Biu, describing him as a fearless and pragmatic leader who won the admiration of his troops, security agencies, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). “He was always in the bush, leading from the front, never backing down,” the deputy governor remarked.
The traditional turbanning ceremony for General Bulama Biu is set to take place on a date to be announced, as the people of Biu Emirate prepare to celebrate one of their own—a battle-tested soldier now honored as their ‘Sarkin Yaki’ (Warlord).
celebrity radar - gossips
Mum Saved My Destiny!’ – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal
Nigerian-UK Worship Powerhouse Celebrates 15 Years in Music, Promotes New Hit ‘Jigidem,’ and Gears Up for April 2025 Release!
Grace Efobi, the UK-based Nigerian contemporary gospel artist, has continued to soar in the global gospel music scene, marking 15 years of professional music ministry with an unwavering passion for God’s kingdom. Born and raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, her journey began in the church choir, where her voice first captivated hearts. Today, she stands as a seasoned recording artist with 10 powerful tracks to her name.
‘JIGIDEM’ TAKES CENTER STAGE!
Efobi’s latest release, Jigidem, is making waves across digital platforms, blessing listeners with its soul-stirring melodies. Featuring the sensational Rheta Ritche Jacobs, the song is a divine anthem of hope, faith, and strength in God.
NEW MUSIC ALERT: ‘YOU REIGN’ DROPS APRIL 2025!
As she continues her remarkable journey, Efobi is set to release a brand-new single, ‘YOU REIGN,’ in April 2025. The song is a powerful declaration of God’s supremacy, the resurrection of Christ, and His infinite greatness. With her signature heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, You Reign promises to be a worship anthem for generations.
A WOMAN OF IMPACT
Beyond the music, Grace Efobi is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, balancing her family life with an unshakable commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Her unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire many across the globe.
Stay connected with Grace Efobi:
Instagram: @graceefobi
Facebook: @graceefobi
TikTok: @graceefobi
YouTube: @gefobi7@googlemail.com
With her voice as a vessel of worship, Grace Efobi’s legacy in gospel music is only getting stronger!
#GraceEfobi #Jigidem #YouReign #GospelMusic #WorshipAnthem #KingdomSound
-
Business5 months agoComprehensive Media Audit Shows Flutterwave, MTN Nigeria, and Bolt Outpacing Competitors in Media Engagement
-
Politics7 months agoWhy Ighodalo Slammed ₦20 Billion Suit On Oshiomhole
-
Politics6 months agoTogether we can make Ewekoro a better local government’ — Sikiru Adesina Urges Party Leaders, Co-contestants
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoHow Deji Adeyanju Secured The Release Of Speed Darlington