LEGENDARY 60s singer Craig Douglas, best known for hit song Only Sixteen, has passed away aged 85.
Known as “the singing milkman”, Craig lived on the Isle of Wight – where he was born – in his later years.
A spokesperson for Craig’s family confirmed he died peacefully after battling a short illness.
The legendary singer, born Terence Perkins, recorded eight cover versions of American hit songs with nine of his tracks among the Top 40 UK singles.
Among them was the number one single Only Sixteen, recorded in 1959 at Abbey Road Studios.
Craig’s version of the song easily outsold Sam Cooke’s original in the UK and he is considered by many to be one of Britain’s most successful pop stars.
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He was even outselling legendary acts such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Pesley at the peak of his fame.
In 1961 Craig entered the A Song for Europe contest with his own song A Girl Next Door.
He also starred in the 1962 film It’s Trad, Dad! and topped the bill for the Beatles’ first major stage show.
His final record, Town Crier, came in February 1963 and reached number 36 in the charts.
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Throughout the rest of his career Craig performed in nightclubs and on cruise ships as well as touring venues across the UK.
In 2010 he famously sang three songs from his wheelchair at the end of the Amersham Rock ‘n’ Roll Club benefit concert in his name.
His final studio album, The Craig Douglas Project, was released in 2011.
Craig never married and had no children, which he said in an interview was one of his biggest regrets.
His family have asked for privacy at this time.