Country singer Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote Mr. Bojangles, dies aged 78
Legendary country star Jerry Jeff Walker has died aged 78.
The singer songwriter, who wrote late-’60s hit Mr. Bojangles, passed away on Friday, CNY News reported.
He had battled throat cancer three years ago and subsequently wrote the 2018 album It’s About Time.
Country legend: Country icon Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote Mr. Bojangles, died on Friday aged 78
Born Ronald Clyde Crosby, Walker grew up in a musical family in Oneonta, New York and got his start in the Greenwich Village folk scene in the 1960s.
The singer was inspired to write Mr. Bojangles after spending time in a drunk tank with a New Orleans street performer.
It became his signature song and it was covered by many artists throughout the years including Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond.
He is survived by his manager-wife, Susan, daughter Jessie Jane and son and fellow musician Django Walker.