Author Topic: Johnny Dankworth RIP (Read 79 times)

terryc · « **on:** February 08, 2010, 06:53:27 AM »

For those who know british jazz, Johnny Dankworth, saxophonist, band leader & composer died on 6th Feb.
There was an anniversary concert staged by his wife on the night and she told the audience of his death at the end..I guess he wanted the show to go on..a true musician to the end.
He was a good friend of Duke Ellington and regulary performed in the USA.
RIP John..to the great gig in the sky

bigredbass · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2010, 12:16:34 AM »

Cleo Laine and John Dankworth just made you feel cool watching them, and made Jazz accessible even to a jazz-ignorant schmuck like me. A great pairing in life and music, my heart goes out to her.

I often wonder if in a different time of attitudes what a hoot it would have been had Pearl Bailey been able to appear with her husband, the great drummer Louis Bellson in a more open fashion.

I'll always be crazy for Sinatra as he helped integrate Vegas. When told that Sammy Davis, Pearl Bailey, etc., could perform with him but stay across town at 'their' hotel, Sinatra walked, and came back when they could stay in 'his' hotel !

J o e y

musashi · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2010, 05:05:53 PM »

Right on, J o e y.

dluxe · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2010, 07:03:07 PM »

There is a nice writeup on him at Soulwalking.

http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Respect.html

terryc · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2010, 07:56:30 AM »

I didn't realise Teddy Pendergrass had died..that was a shock.
Willie Mitchell..can anyone confirm that it is the same man who had a single out in the 70's called 'The Champion'?.
It was a popular song during the Northern Soul days at Wigan Casino in the UK.
Those all nighters were the foundation of the later all night raves in the UK
Wigan Casino..happy memories for me

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:44:52 PM »

Terry; yes it's the same Willie Mitchell.

mike13 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2010, 04:09:02 PM »

I remember seeing them when I was a kid in the UK each section of the band wore a differant color jacket

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2010, 03:58:07 AM »

thanks dave..I had the single but it went in the trash a few years ago.
It was a great driving soul sound, and absolute hit with northern soul fans.
I managed to down load it some months ago, will give it a play later and revive my memories of Wigan casino.