Craig Douglas, the singer most well known for his '60s smash hit "Only Sixteen", has passed away. As reported by Music News, he was 85 years old.
His representative confirmed that the singer passed away "following a brief illness". No other details have been released about his death, as his family has requested "privacy at this time", per the Express.
Douglas was born Terry Perkins on the Isle of Wight in England. His claim to fame was winning the 1959 series of Opportunity Knocks - propelling him from being a milkman into stardom.
He was known by his nickname "the Golden Boy". His most well known song, a cover of Sam Cooke's "Only Sixteen", garnered him four weeks at the number 1 spot - where he outsold giants like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
The singer's stardom didn't end there: he also succeeded on the chart throughout the '60s with hits like "Pretty Blue Eyes", "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay", "The Heart Of A Teenage Girl", and "When The Girl In Your Arms Is The Girl In Your Heart".
His music career extended much past his last single's release in 1963 - he continued to perform at cabaret shows and for nostalgia tours.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Tributes Poured in for the Chart-Topping Singer
Per the Isle of Wight County Press, numerous residents of the famous singer's birthplace have mourned his death and released touching tributes.
Vic Farrow knew Douglas after his chart-topping era. He was a mainstay at humble events like club meetings and even birthday parties. "A pleasure to work with," he wrote. "I booked Craig as the first star act at Shanklin Conservative Club after taking on the bookings role for the club in around 2006." He added, "I was delighted when I was invited to Craig's surprise 80th birthday party."
A resident also recalled their grandmother saying Douglas "was her milkman". Another resident added, "He used to be our milkman back in the day when he was working for Bill Strickland. Great singer and a lovely guy."
What a loss for the music community. May this legend rest in peace - our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him.
