John Dankworth Dies

Sir John Dankworth dies at the age of 82. He was the most prominent saxophonist and a leading figure of British jazz who ruled the genre for almost five decades.

Sir John Dankworth had been working closely with legends like Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. He also composed music for a number of films and television programs.

Sir John Dankworth’s singer wife Cleo Laine announced his death at a concert on the 40th anniversary of the music venue that was founded by the couple near their Buckinghamshire home.

Sir John Dankworth was declared one of the totemic figures of British jazz; he died in a London hospital on Saturday following a short illness that was not disclosed.

The chairman of the Stables Music Venue commented that it would be a great tribute to Sir John Dankworth as we celebrate the anniversary in the presence of many artists who worked with him.

Sir John Dankworth was considered Britain’s first international jazz musician and his influence goes through generations as Singer Jamie Cullum has declared Sir John Dankworth a genius. He has added on his twitter that a great man and finest musician and composer has died.

Sir John Dankworth was born in Essex in 1927 and after switching through instruments he was composing, recording and arranging music on either side of the Atlantic.

Sir John Dankworth wrote scores for films like Modesty Blaise and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, he also composed the original theme tune for the Avengers.

John Dankworth was knighted in 2006 for his services to the music. John and Laine married in 1950 and they have two children and both are jazz musicians.