Composer and Musician John Dankworth Dies at 82

Noted composer and jazz legend John Dankworth had died at the age of 82.

Sir John Dankworth's name is synonymous with the crossing of musical barriers. Born in 1927, John Dankworth showed early proficiency on the clarinet and by the age of 17 had entered London's Royal Academy of Music. He was impressed by the work of the great Charlie Parker, and took up the saxophone as a result.

In 1959 Dankworth's large jazz orchestra played several engagements in the United States, the first of countless such visits. At this time John began devoting his musical attentions to the film world, composing dozens of movie scores, including "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", "The Servant", "Morgan", and "Modesty Blaise." Dankworth also wrote the theme to many television series, including the popular 60's British series "The Avengers". 

Dankworth also penned the score for 'Boots with Strawberry Jam', a musical based on the life of George Bernard Shaw, and he wrote the musical score for the original London production of the musical COLETTE, which starred his wife, stage actress and singer, Cleo Laine. John Dankworth and Cleo Laine also founded a charity, The Wavendon Allmusic Plan, with the aim of helping people broaden their views about music through performance and musical education. 

Dankworth was knighted in 2006, becoming the first British jazz musician to receive the honor.

 

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