Farewell to Tex

7:48pm Thursday 30th August 2007

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The funeral of R'n'B legend Clarence 'Tex' Walker took place at a packed Oxford Crematorium at Headington today.

he former lead singer of The Drifters and The Coasters died on August 8, after suffering a heart attack at the King's Arms Hotel, in Woodstock.

More than 100 mourners attended the service, with many forced to stand outside. Tributes were sent by musicians across the globe who could not attend.

Music promoter Philip Guy Davis, of Walton Street, Oxford, a friend of Mr Walker, said it had been an emotional, sad and special day.

He added: "It was quite a gathering of special music people who knew Clarence and were involved with him."

Oh Happy Day, Mr Walker's favourite gospel song, was sung during the service. Originally from North Carolina, Mr Walker moved to Oxford in 1990 after first visiting the UK on tour.

A Vietnam War veteran, he joined The Drifters as lead vocalist after completing his military service.

During his time in Oxford, Mr Walker often performed at Mr Guy Davis's Monday Blues evening, first at the Brewhouse in Gloucester Green, then at the Bullingdon, in Cowley Road.

On the Friday before he died, Mr Walker gave his last performance at a blues night in Woodstock.