Influential rock enigma Scott Walker dies aged 76

Scott Walker, one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in rock history, has died at the age of 76, BBC News reports.

The US star found fame as a teen idol in The Walker Brothers, scoring hits with The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore and Make It Easy On Yourself.

But his dark baritone hinted at something deeper - and his darker, experimental solo albums tackled the complexities of love, sex and death.

Walker's death was confirmed by his current record label, 4AD.

In a statement, they called the singer "one of the most revered innovators at the sharp end of creative music".

Radiohead's Thom Yorke was among those paying tribute, describing Walker as "a huge influence on Radiohead and myself, showing me how I could use my voice and words".

Born Noel Scott Engel in Ohio, 1943, Walker initially pursued a career as an actor, before hooking up with John Maus and Gary Leeds to form the misleadingly-named Walker Brothers.

After a false start in the US, they relocated to England, where they caused a huge sensation, scoring number one hits with Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore.

For a while, the band were as big as the Beatles, greeted by screaming fans everywhere they went.