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1037 entries.
wrote on October 1, 2023
at
1:26 pm
Had the great pleasure of meeting Roger in person.
It was back in 1981in Sears department store in Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada,he was signing autographs,he signed a album of his hits which I bought at the store, which I still own.l also took a photo of him which I still have. I bought a ticket to the show he was doing in the Saskatoon Centennial auditorium (good show)
We had a short chat,he used to fly is own aircraft,he was a nice man who always made time for his fans. RIP Roger Whittaker,it was nice to meet you all those years ago.
wrote on October 1, 2023
at
9:18 am
I was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip Hayward
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
9:17 pm
Med sorg i hjärtat hörde jag att min favoritartist somnat in. När jag behövde finna lugn o ro i min själ, ja då lyssnade jag på Roger Whittaker. Hans röst o musik och underbara låtar fick mig att slappna av..Sov I ro...❤🙏❤
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
4:33 pm
My dad listened to Roger Whittaker often when I was growing up and I fell in love with his voice, stories and mesmerizing talent. I had a double album live concert on vinyl that was in 4 parts and I listened to it almost daily. I Don't Believe in If Anymore, The First Hello, the Last Goodbye, Durham Town, New World in the Morning - so many wonderful songs that I still sing all the time. He also taught me to whistle much better. I would whistle along to Mexican Whistler and still whistle it randomly. He brought such comfort after my dad passed as well. I am forever grateful to Roger for sharing such a beautiful gift of song throughout my life and years to come. Sadness fills me because my dear, sweet soul, this is our Last Farewell. Much love to his family and extended "fan family".
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
8:08 am
I grew up with Roger’s wonderful voice being played on my parents stereo. I came to love classics like Durham town and in particular the last farewell. Such a rich and emotional voice. Thank you for the music.
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
5:03 am
My dad was such a fan, that I also feel in love with that voice. Thank you Roger, not only for the music, but in my case a connection to my daddy that passed just as i became an adult... You will be cherished in my heart.
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
2:47 am
I knew an entire album of yours
And fell in love with it again every year
This Christmas, I will play it once more
And I'll feel the joy and hold it near
My sister and I were thrilled to discover
Your Tiny Angel singing back to you
I will rejoice with Darcy, as always
Dragons live forever, it's true
All that we need is our loved ones near
Every day is like Christmas when there's love
And the music will fill my heart again
I'm sure you'll smile down from above
I'm mourning the loss of a piece of my childhood
In the way only such a loss can wound
I want to thank you for the music
And your enjoyment every time you crooned
And thank you for the lesson in forgiveness
And the example of not giving in to hate
What does it mean to be an artist?
What is living a life but to create?
I want to say you were beautiful
And I have loved you dearly
And I'm trying to find the words to tell
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
9:14 pm
I have been listening to Roger’s music since early childhood and “A Time for Peace” is played at our house every Christmas without fail. His beautiful voice and music combined with the insight and kindness of his lyrics have been a constant source of enjoyment and inspiration during my life. I am sad as I write this, but also filled with love and gratitude. Thank you, Roger, and farewell - you really were a very special kind of man.
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
2:18 pm
My Father and Roger were in the Kenya African Riffles together, my Father also knew him as Hank..but remember's him playing his guitar when there where troubles in Kenya with Moumou....I remember seeing Roger in Stavanger, Norway at a concert, and he and Dad had a chat and remembered all the times they had in Kenya and what a wonderful country they grew up in and loved!
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
2:14 pm
Merci Monsieur WHITTAKER vos chansons, vos paroles font partie de ma vie, de mon enchantement. Reposez paisiblement. condoléances à la famille
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
11:26 pm
My father Henry Welz and I Mary loved his music dearly!, My Cousin Bud Welz lived in London and worked for the BBC - We would listen to Rogers music at Supper Time when I went to visit them in there flat! I think everyone in my family Loved his whistling! Playing one of his songs right now****
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
10:19 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. His voice has been part of my life for over 50 years. I can remember my mom playing his music and then his Christmas music. Such a beautiful voice.
Prayers for his family. Thank you so much for all the music you made.
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
12:16 am
so sorry to hear the sad news but heaven is a much better place with our fantastic
Roger.I have seen him in concert 3 times and shook his hand,and I have a framed signed cd cover on my wall for 30years now after writing for his autograph.
I love the book,so far so good.Roger means so much to me.I love this man.
I send my best wishes to the family.
God Bless. Brian
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
8:29 pm
Roger Whittaker is one of my favourite singers of all time.
I first saw Roger Whittaker when the performed at the International Song Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1968. His entry in the festival was "New World in the Morning" and it won 10th place. I fell in love with his music and amazing singing voice right there and then.
Later on, I had the pleasure of attending almost all of his concerts when he performed in Toronto, Canada, most of them at the Massey Hall. I was also lucky enough to meet him backstage, after the concerts, there 3 times.
From whistling, to singing, to composing, to singing in French and German, I can't decide which one was his biggest talent. I just know that I love the joy, creativity and excitement he brought to his songs.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
7:30 pm
When I was a little girl, my mom would sing the lyrics “For you are beautiful, and I love you dearly, more dearly than the spoken words can tell”. Honestly, I thought it was something she created until one day, I heard the song playing on the radio. I was so surprised and excited to hear Roger’s voice! A few years later I found his live album and begged my mom to buy it for me. I fell in love with all of his songs upon hearing them. Once I spent the night at a friends house (around the age of 10) and together we wrote out all of the words to “If I Were A Rich Man”. We had so much fun memorizing his songs! I introduced my husband to his music as well and it has blessed us for the past 24 years. Roger’s music has been a huge part of my life and I will be forever grateful. Even his Christmas albums bring beautiful praises to Jesus. May his music live on through us all and may it continue to bring us closer to one another.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
4:32 pm
First time I heard Roger's music was from an audio casette that belonged to my father. I was as a young boy mesmerized by his storytelling, enchanting voice and the whisteling. I dreamt that I one day could manage to whistle like Roger.
Later as an adult I had the opportunity to watch him live in Oslo Concert House where I got his autograph and met him personally with a bunch of other fans and friends. I would later see his show again outside Coopenhagen.
Roger was a gentleman and he was real down to earth and charming to his fans. He will be greatly missed as he was loved as a musician all over the workd.
Rest in Peace Roger and thank You for the wonderful music!
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
1:51 pm
Rest in peace Roger, your music was the soundtrack to my childhood and teenage years, and will continue to be played all over the world into eternity. My heartfelt thanks for the great musical legacy you gifted to all of us.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
6:58 am
Bedankt, Roger.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
12:59 am
A little known fact is that Roger was one of President George H.W. Bush’s favorite balladeers. In Barbara Bush’s “A Memoir”, page 525, she described the establishment of the “White House Chapter of the Roger Whittaker Fan Club” by the White House military nurses….with President Bush as honorary recording secretary. Roger’s melodic songs provided comfort to President Bush during his physical therapy sessions. After he left office, Roger and his wife, Natalie, accepted an invitation to join the Bushes at their home in Maine. With the nurses and the Bushes as an enraptured audience, Roger performed an assortment of his memorable ballads loved by us all. It was a memory we will always remember and treasure.
May you sing with the angels!
The White House Nurses on President Bush’s Staff: Debbie Beatty, Mary Jackson, Kim Siniscalchi, Ellen Shebuski, Paula Trivette, and Art Wallace
wrote on September 26, 2023
at
11:08 pm
We will all miss that beautiful languid voice with lyrics that touched our hearts and gave us hope that one day we will see a New Day In The Morning...for everyone. Rest in Peace Roger.
1037 entries.
wrote on October 1, 2023
at
1:26 pm
Had the great pleasure of meeting Roger in person.
It was back in 1981in Sears department store in Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada,he was signing autographs,he signed a album of his hits which I bought at the store, which I still own.l also took a photo of him which I still have. I bought a ticket to the show he was doing in the Saskatoon Centennial auditorium (good show)
We had a short chat,he used to fly is own aircraft,he was a nice man who always made time for his fans. RIP Roger Whittaker,it was nice to meet you all those years ago.
wrote on October 1, 2023
at
9:18 am
I was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip HaywardI was saddened to read of the death of Roger Whittaker.
We were friends throughout our time from 11 to 17 at school in Nairobi, and in the last two years occupied facing beds in senior dorm. I remember him as noisy, singing, and in the last year devoting himself to making a guitar from materials he collected and formed. I don't recall him ever playing it. He claimed, rightly, that I was tone deaf. On one of our later meetings we agreed that the school failed us – he was never in the school choir and I never gained entrance to the workshop. I think disciplined choral singing was not his style!
Although his father was nearby – he was Slater and Whittaker at Kabete, a few miles away – Roger was a boarder by his father's preference. My home then was in Tanganyika, three days away, although later my father also lived in Nairobi.
Whittaker and I spent our last evening in Kenya together in the nightclub of the Norfolk Hotel, invited by my father; an empty occasion for two innocent schoolboys unused to drinking, and no knowing what to expect. In the morning flew together in a BOAC Argonaut to Heathrow, where after a long flight in adjacent seats we were happy to go our separate ways
As his singing career developed, we met and shared many memories. He never accepted that I taught him the trick that became Mexican Whistler. He was dismissive, and did not care to be told, of Durham's distance from the Tyne. We met in Southport and toured awhile in his old Rolls Royce as he began to enjoy the fruits of success. He told me of his daily income from “airplays”, already enviable. We met in Preston and again in Stockton on Tees, as my work and his tours coincided. By then he was protected, and I saw how he was mobbed but unmoved by the young girls offering everything after the show. Touring in his early days he said he was tested by a Norwegen group who placed a beautiful girl to await him in his bed, but he stayed away from the excesses of touring and told me he turned down pressure from Mic Jagger to take drugs to improve his sex life.
There was tragedy as well as success in his life. His Father was murdered during a robbery in his home in Kenya and he was worried but close about his sister's troubled life.
I wish his family comfort.
Philip Hayward
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
9:17 pm
Med sorg i hjärtat hörde jag att min favoritartist somnat in. När jag behövde finna lugn o ro i min själ, ja då lyssnade jag på Roger Whittaker. Hans röst o musik och underbara låtar fick mig att slappna av..Sov I ro...❤🙏❤
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
4:33 pm
My dad listened to Roger Whittaker often when I was growing up and I fell in love with his voice, stories and mesmerizing talent. I had a double album live concert on vinyl that was in 4 parts and I listened to it almost daily. I Don't Believe in If Anymore, The First Hello, the Last Goodbye, Durham Town, New World in the Morning - so many wonderful songs that I still sing all the time. He also taught me to whistle much better. I would whistle along to Mexican Whistler and still whistle it randomly. He brought such comfort after my dad passed as well. I am forever grateful to Roger for sharing such a beautiful gift of song throughout my life and years to come. Sadness fills me because my dear, sweet soul, this is our Last Farewell. Much love to his family and extended "fan family".
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
8:08 am
I grew up with Roger’s wonderful voice being played on my parents stereo. I came to love classics like Durham town and in particular the last farewell. Such a rich and emotional voice. Thank you for the music.
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
5:03 am
My dad was such a fan, that I also feel in love with that voice. Thank you Roger, not only for the music, but in my case a connection to my daddy that passed just as i became an adult... You will be cherished in my heart.
wrote on September 30, 2023
at
2:47 am
I knew an entire album of yours
And fell in love with it again every year
This Christmas, I will play it once more
And I'll feel the joy and hold it near
My sister and I were thrilled to discover
Your Tiny Angel singing back to you
I will rejoice with Darcy, as always
Dragons live forever, it's true
All that we need is our loved ones near
Every day is like Christmas when there's love
And the music will fill my heart again
I'm sure you'll smile down from above
I'm mourning the loss of a piece of my childhood
In the way only such a loss can wound
I want to thank you for the music
And your enjoyment every time you crooned
And thank you for the lesson in forgiveness
And the example of not giving in to hate
What does it mean to be an artist?
What is living a life but to create?
I want to say you were beautiful
And I have loved you dearly
And I'm trying to find the words to tell
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
9:14 pm
I have been listening to Roger’s music since early childhood and “A Time for Peace” is played at our house every Christmas without fail. His beautiful voice and music combined with the insight and kindness of his lyrics have been a constant source of enjoyment and inspiration during my life. I am sad as I write this, but also filled with love and gratitude. Thank you, Roger, and farewell - you really were a very special kind of man.
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
2:18 pm
My Father and Roger were in the Kenya African Riffles together, my Father also knew him as Hank..but remember's him playing his guitar when there where troubles in Kenya with Moumou....I remember seeing Roger in Stavanger, Norway at a concert, and he and Dad had a chat and remembered all the times they had in Kenya and what a wonderful country they grew up in and loved!
wrote on September 29, 2023
at
2:14 pm
Merci Monsieur WHITTAKER vos chansons, vos paroles font partie de ma vie, de mon enchantement. Reposez paisiblement. condoléances à la famille
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
11:26 pm
My father Henry Welz and I Mary loved his music dearly!, My Cousin Bud Welz lived in London and worked for the BBC - We would listen to Rogers music at Supper Time when I went to visit them in there flat! I think everyone in my family Loved his whistling! Playing one of his songs right now****
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
10:19 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. His voice has been part of my life for over 50 years. I can remember my mom playing his music and then his Christmas music. Such a beautiful voice.
Prayers for his family. Thank you so much for all the music you made.
wrote on September 28, 2023
at
12:16 am
so sorry to hear the sad news but heaven is a much better place with our fantastic
Roger.I have seen him in concert 3 times and shook his hand,and I have a framed signed cd cover on my wall for 30years now after writing for his autograph.
I love the book,so far so good.Roger means so much to me.I love this man.
I send my best wishes to the family.
God Bless. Brian
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
8:29 pm
Roger Whittaker is one of my favourite singers of all time.
I first saw Roger Whittaker when the performed at the International Song Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1968. His entry in the festival was "New World in the Morning" and it won 10th place. I fell in love with his music and amazing singing voice right there and then.
Later on, I had the pleasure of attending almost all of his concerts when he performed in Toronto, Canada, most of them at the Massey Hall. I was also lucky enough to meet him backstage, after the concerts, there 3 times.
From whistling, to singing, to composing, to singing in French and German, I can't decide which one was his biggest talent. I just know that I love the joy, creativity and excitement he brought to his songs.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
7:30 pm
When I was a little girl, my mom would sing the lyrics “For you are beautiful, and I love you dearly, more dearly than the spoken words can tell”. Honestly, I thought it was something she created until one day, I heard the song playing on the radio. I was so surprised and excited to hear Roger’s voice! A few years later I found his live album and begged my mom to buy it for me. I fell in love with all of his songs upon hearing them. Once I spent the night at a friends house (around the age of 10) and together we wrote out all of the words to “If I Were A Rich Man”. We had so much fun memorizing his songs! I introduced my husband to his music as well and it has blessed us for the past 24 years. Roger’s music has been a huge part of my life and I will be forever grateful. Even his Christmas albums bring beautiful praises to Jesus. May his music live on through us all and may it continue to bring us closer to one another.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
4:32 pm
First time I heard Roger's music was from an audio casette that belonged to my father. I was as a young boy mesmerized by his storytelling, enchanting voice and the whisteling. I dreamt that I one day could manage to whistle like Roger.
Later as an adult I had the opportunity to watch him live in Oslo Concert House where I got his autograph and met him personally with a bunch of other fans and friends. I would later see his show again outside Coopenhagen.
Roger was a gentleman and he was real down to earth and charming to his fans. He will be greatly missed as he was loved as a musician all over the workd.
Rest in Peace Roger and thank You for the wonderful music!
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
1:51 pm
Rest in peace Roger, your music was the soundtrack to my childhood and teenage years, and will continue to be played all over the world into eternity. My heartfelt thanks for the great musical legacy you gifted to all of us.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
6:58 am
Bedankt, Roger.
wrote on September 27, 2023
at
12:59 am
A little known fact is that Roger was one of President George H.W. Bush’s favorite balladeers. In Barbara Bush’s “A Memoir”, page 525, she described the establishment of the “White House Chapter of the Roger Whittaker Fan Club” by the White House military nurses….with President Bush as honorary recording secretary. Roger’s melodic songs provided comfort to President Bush during his physical therapy sessions. After he left office, Roger and his wife, Natalie, accepted an invitation to join the Bushes at their home in Maine. With the nurses and the Bushes as an enraptured audience, Roger performed an assortment of his memorable ballads loved by us all. It was a memory we will always remember and treasure.
May you sing with the angels!
The White House Nurses on President Bush’s Staff: Debbie Beatty, Mary Jackson, Kim Siniscalchi, Ellen Shebuski, Paula Trivette, and Art Wallace
wrote on September 26, 2023
at
11:08 pm
We will all miss that beautiful languid voice with lyrics that touched our hearts and gave us hope that one day we will see a New Day In The Morning...for everyone. Rest in Peace Roger.