Johnny Dankworth Dies

Sir John Dankworth, one of the most important figures in British jazz music, has passed away.

Britain has long had a passionate relationship with jazz music. However, for a very long time, it was accepted that jazz was simply something that Americans did - and hence a progressive scene could never exist in Britain.

It is thanks to pioneers such as Sir John Dankworth that the British jazz scene exists at all in its current state. Emerging after the Second World War the saxophonist quickly caught attention with his dextrous skills.

Performing with touring American bands, the musician travelled to Paris in 1949 where he jammed with his idol Charlie Parker. Winning acclaim for his distinctive style, Dankworth then went on to become a hugely successful composer.

Working on the themes for The Avengers and the film 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning' the saxophonist always led his own band.

Continuing to work until recently, John Dankworth was knighted by the Queen in 2006. Sadly the saxophonist fell ill last year after a tour of the United States. Dankworth's last gig was at the London Jazz Festival, playing his horn from the confines of a wheelchair.

Sir Johnny Dankworth died in a London hospital on Saturday (February 6th). His wife Cleo Laine was starring in a show with her children at the time, and announced the death after the concert.

Speaking to the BBC, theatre executive Monica Ferguson revealed that the family had shown "incredible" bravery.

"I think the audience had a great sense of shock," she said. "There were a lot of gasps and people I spoke to afterwards were visibly shaken and moved by it."

The star's agent Jim Murtha added: "For British jazz and jazz around the world, I believe John has become such an international figure, particularly since he became Sir John Dankworth a few years ago."