Tributes paid to Germany’s ‘favourite Englishman’ Roger Whittaker

Baritone, who has died aged 87, cultivated loyal German fanbase by learning to sing translated lyrics phonetically

Tributes are being paid across Germany to the singer Roger Whittaker, described as the country's favourite Briton who served his biggest and most loyal fanbase by singing in their tongue.

Whittaker, whose death at 87 was announced on Monday, admitted to never learning to speak the language, but became one of the most prolific recording artists in German by having his translated lyrics transcribed phonetically and taking lessons to sound as if he meant what he sang.