Country music star Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote and recorded Mr Bojangles, has died aged 78.
The singer-songwriter, who had battled throat cancer three years ago, died on Friday according to reports from CNY News.
Born Ronald Clyde Crosby, Walker found fame in the Greenwich Village folk music scene in the 1960s.
His biggest hit, Mr Bojangles, was inspired after meeting a New Orleans street performer he met in jail.
The alcoholic drifter who was a talented tap-dancer had insisted on being identified as Bojangles – the nickname of famed dancer Bill Robinson – when he was arrested and jailed in New Orleans.
The track has been covered by many huge stars over the years Sammy Davis Jr., Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond, as well as a modern cover from Robbie Williams.
Considered one of the founding fathers of Texas country music, Walker recorded 36 albums throughout his career, including 2108’s It’s About Time.
Walker had revealed he had throat cancer and pneumonia in 2017, with it initially looking like he may not survive it, however he beat the odds to recover.
His former publicist told TMZ Walker’s wife instructed him two months ago to prepare an obituary, before he died from cancer and related ailments.
He is survived by his wife Susan, who was also his manager, daughter Jessie Jane and son Django Walker, who is also a musician.
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