Scott Walker, Avant-Garde Songwriter Who Influenced David Bowie, Dead At 76

Scott Walker, one of the most innovative songwriters of the 20th century, has died at 76, his cause of death is unknown.

Walker, born Noel Scott Engel, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1943 and grew up in California. Engel changed his name after joining the Walker Brothers and moved to Britain where he spent most of his life. They produced hit songs like “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” and “Make It Easy on Yourself.”

Walker was writing his own material and eventually went solo where he produced some of the 1960s most psychedelic songs. Walker’s “The Seventh Seal” is an epic song rendition of the Ingmar Bergman film of the same name.

Walker’s style would develop over the decades becoming more experimental and avant-garde. His songs received critical acclaim in recent years.

Walker was a major influence to David Bowie, Marc Almond, Radio Head and many others.

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Walker was the subject of a 2006 documentary, 30 Century Man. In recent years composed the scores for The Childhood of a Leader and Vox Lux.

“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,” his label, 4AD, said in a statement.

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Walker is survived by by his daughter, Lee, his granddaughter, Emmi-Lee, and his partner Beverly.