Jazz Saxophone Star Sir John Dankworth Dies

12:10pm UK, Sunday February 07, 2010

Kirsty Donald, Sky News Online

Jazz star Sir John Dankworth has died aged 82, his wife has confirmed.

The jazz star with his saxophone in 1966

The saxophonist, who wrote the theme tune for TV shows The Avengers and Tomorrow's World and films including Modesty Blaise, died on Saturday after being unwell for several months.

Sir John, better known as Johnny Dankworth before he was knighted in 2006, had worked with some of the biggest names in jazz including Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

His wife, jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, announced her husband's death during a 40th anniversary concert at The Stables, a music venue the couple founded at their home in Wavendon, Buckinghamshire.

A statement from the venue said: "The Stables is greatly saddened by the news that one of its Founders & Life Presidents, Sir John Dankworth CBE has passed away on the day that The Stables celebrated its 40th birthday."

Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth were known as "the jazz couple"

Jazzwise magazine hailed Sir John as "one of the totemic figures of British jazz", while modern-day jazz star Jamie Cullum paid tribute on his Twitter page.

He wrote: "Sir John Dankworth - a great man and one of our finest musicians and composers has died. Rest in peace sir."

Sir John performed as recently as November last year, playing his saxophone from his wheelchair at the London Jazz Festival.

His career spanned more than 50 years, and included touring with his own big band, music recording, film score composition and artist production.

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