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Jazz star Sir John Dankworth dies Jazz star Sir John Dankworth dies
(about 1 hour later)
Sir John Dankworth, a mainstay of the British jazz scene for over 60 years, has died, his management has said. Sir John Dankworth, a mainstay of the British jazz scene for over 60 years, has died, his family has confirmed.
Saxophonist Sir John, who was 82, wrote the theme tune for The Avengers and served as musical director to the likes of Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald. Saxophonist Sir John, who was 82 and lived in Wavendon, Buckinghamshire, served as musical director to the likes of Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald.
Dankworth Management's Becky Stevenson said he had died on Saturday at King Edward VII Hospital, London. Sir John, who was knighted in 2006 for services to music, died on Saturday at King Edward VII Hospital, London.
Sir John, who was knighted at Buckingham Palace in 2006, was married to the singer Dame Cleo Laine. He was married to the singer Dame Cleo Laine, who announced his death at a concert at their Stables Theatre.
The couple met in 1950 while he was auditioning for singers with his band, the Dankworth Seven. The concert was celebrating 40 years of the Stables Theatre, which the couple founded in the grounds of their home.
In a statement, his agent said: "The all-star concert, featuring numerous British stars of stage, screen and recordings, became a tribute to John."
Musician of the Year
Sir John and Dame Cleo met in 1950 while he was auditioning for singers with his band, the Dankworth Seven.
He also leaves a son and a daughter, both jazz musicians.He also leaves a son and a daughter, both jazz musicians.
In 1993 Sir John formed the Dankworth Generation Band, with his son Alec.In 1993 Sir John formed the Dankworth Generation Band, with his son Alec.
Charity founder
After winning a place at the Royal Academy of Music aged 17, and following a short spell in the Army, the young Sir John was voted British Musician of the Year in 1949.After winning a place at the Royal Academy of Music aged 17, and following a short spell in the Army, the young Sir John was voted British Musician of the Year in 1949.
The same year he attended the Paris Jazz Festival, where he played with the legendary Charlie Parker.The same year he attended the Paris Jazz Festival, where he played with the legendary Charlie Parker.
In the 1960s, Sir John scored such films as Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, The Servant and Modesty Blaise. In the 1960s, Sir John scored such films as Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, The Servant and Modesty Blaise and wrote the theme tunes for The Avengers and Tomorrow's World.
Sir John and Dame Cleo founded their charity, the Wavendon Allmusic Plan, in 1969, which led to the establishment of the Stables arts centre in the grounds of their Buckinghamshire home. Sir John and Dame Cleo founded their charity, the Wavendon Allmusic Plan, in 1969, which led to the establishment of the Stables.
He was appointed CBE in 1974 and founded the London Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops in 1985.He was appointed CBE in 1974 and founded the London Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops in 1985.
Sir John was a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and received the Freedom of the City of London in 1994.Sir John was a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and received the Freedom of the City of London in 1994.