United Kingdom, March 4 -- Gary Leeds, the last surviving member of the Walker Brothers, has died aged 83.

It emerged on Wednesday (04.03.26) he passed away after suffering a stroke shortly before Christmas - bringing to an end the life of the American drummer and vocalist who helped shape one of the most successful pop groups of the 1960s.

Gary died on 1 March in Essex, according to friends and family.

He rose to fame as part of the Walker Brothers alongside John Maus and Noel Scott Engel, who performed under the names John Walker and Scott Walker.

The trio achieved major success after relocating from the United States to Britain in the mid-1960s, becoming chart regulars with hits including Make It Easy On Yourself, My Ship Is Coming...