English jazz musician John Dankworth has passed away at the age of 82.
Dankworth had more than two film soundtracks to his name.He formed his first band the Dankworth Seven in 1950. In 1953 he formed The Big Band and in 1959 played the Newport Jazz festival.
During his career Sir John was joined on stage by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong and also recorded with Dizzy Gillespie.
He composed and performed the theme for British TV shows The Avengers and Tomorrow’s World as well as his work on dozens of soundtracks.
In recent years Dankworth appeared on Later With Jools Holland accompanying Craig David.
In 2006, he became Sir John Dankworth.
Sir John Dankworth was married to jazz singer Cleo Laine.
They had two children, both jazz musicians. Son Alec Dankworth is a bass player. Daughter Jacqui is a singer.
