COVER STAR Vince Hill dead – Singer known for cover of Edelweiss from Sound of Music dies aged 89

EDELWEISS singer Vince Hill has died aged 89.

In a statement, his family said he "passed peacefully" at home.

Edelweiss singer Vince Hill has died aged 89

Sharing the news on Vince's Twitter account, they said: "Sadly we have to share news none of us want to hear.

"We’re very sorry to have to tell you Vince has left us.

"He passed peacefully at home. Vince created a musical legacy…his tunes will remain forever in our hearts.

"Here’s to you V…you bloody legend".

Vince rose to fame with his debut single The Rivers Run Dry before he was signed to EMI's Columbia label in 1965.

He went on to produce a number of hits including covers Take Me To Your Heart Again and Look Around (And You'll Find Me There).

But it was his cover of Edelweiss, from the 1959 musical The Sound of Music, that Hill was best known for.

The tune, about a medicinal flower, reached number two in the charts in 1967 and remained there for 17-weeks.

Vince also hosted hit TV shows throughout the seventies and eighties, including the BBC's They Sold a Million and Musical Time Machine.

He even hosted his own ITV chat show called Gas Street.

Les Dennis paid tribute to the crooner, as he tweeted: "Heard the news driving home tonight and cried. Did two summer seasons with Vince.

"He was brilliant on stage and more importantly he was a lovely man. Remember visiting him and Annie at their beautiful home in Henley.

"They welcomed Dustin and me and we had a lovely evening. RIP X".