British jazz star Dankworth dead at 82

Sunday, February 07, 2010
LONDON: British jazz star John Dankworth, who worked with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and was married to singer Cleo Laine, has died at the age of 82, the media reported Sunday, quoting his agent.

Dankworth, a saxophonist and clarinettist, and Laine were one of the best known couples in jazz and had been married for over 50 years.

Earlier in his career, Dankworth had worked as musical director for the likes of Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson.

Laine announced Dankworth's death at a concert marking the 40th anniversary of a theatre they had set up together, the media reported.

"The all-star concert, featuring numerous British stars of stage, screen and recordings, became a tribute to John," the BBC quoted his agent as saying.

Dankworth died Saturday at a London hospital after being unwell for several months, the broadcaster added, without providing further details.

He was born in 1927 and went to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London aged 17, inspired by Benny Goodman.

He formed his band the Dankworth Seven in 1950 and it rapidly became one of Britain's top jazz groups.

Three years later, he formed his big band, which he led for around 20 years. Several of its arrangements featured Laine, who he married in 1958, on vocals.

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