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John Walker of The Walker Brothers dies aged 67
John Walker was the founder member of the group The Walker Brothers
John Walker, one of the founders of 1960s group The Walker Brothers, has died at the age of 67.
His spokeswoman said Mr Walker died on Saturday at his Los Angeles home after a six-month battle with liver cancer.
The band was formed when three unrelated US musicians - Scott Engel, John Maus and Gary Leeds - adopted the Walker Brothers name in 1964.
Their biggest hits included the songs Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Any More).
The group's fame flourished after travelling to the UK in the 1960s and they continued to score huge commercial success in the 1970s.
The official John Walker website said it was with "deepest sadness" that it had to report John Walker passed away in his LA home on 7 May 2011.
"He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and artiste," it said.
Paying tribute to his former band member in a statement on his website, Gary Walker said it was a "very sad day for John's family, myself and all of our many fans".
"John was the founder member of the group and lead singer in the early days. He was also a fantastic guitarist which a lot of people didn't realise.
"He was a compassionate song-writer and a gentleman with lots of style.
"The three of us had the most incredible adventure together, all the time not realising that we were part of pop history in the making. His music will live on, and therefore so will John."
The statement concluded with "T-birds and Bentleys".
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Comment number 27.
Dave Lingard9th May 2011 - 15:52
How sad to hear of Johns passing
I played guitar in John’s band in the 70’s.
It was an opportunity and experience I will never forget.
We met up after 30 years when John was playing The Manchester Opera House and we spent a few hours reminiscing
So many memories come to mind of working with John but most of all I shall remember him as a true Star and a Gentleman.
RIP John
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Comment number 24.
Dave9th May 2011 - 14:01
I'm really sorry to hear the news about John Walker. I've loved The Walker Brothers song "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" for as long as I can remember, and it will always be a true classic - it's beautiful. Their lovely harmonies will remain forever.
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Comment number 19.
ECRyder129th May 2011 - 12:15
Sorry to hear of John Walker's passing.
For any of us of a certain age, who lived through that phenomenal time in the 1960s when everything was possible, it feels as if a part of yourself is taken away when someone from the same generation leaves us.
The Walker Brothers, along with other mega music stars, were part of my youth and of the historic The Golden Decade".
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Comment number 14.
Margaret Waterhouse9th May 2011 - 10:20
I have been a fan of the Walker Brothers since I was a young girl of 12 years old. They always made big quality music, the kind of music you never tire of hearing. This is very sad news of John's death, but his music will live on. Having met the man I can honestly say he was a true gent and a pleasure to know
Thinking of Cynthia and his family at this sad time
Thank you for the music John
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Comment number 8.
chris highton9th May 2011 - 9:39
Just heard the news, really sad as he was still composing new songs and performing the Walker Brothers hits on tours, plus new stuff.
He had lots of time for you when you talked and would spend an hour after interviews chatting about music and the entertainement business, there was no side to him.
He was so happy with his wife who went eveywhere together with him.
Condolences to his family
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