Derek Watkins (trumpeter)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Derek Watkins (2 March 1945 – 22 March 2013) was an English jazz, pop and classical lead trumpet player probably best known for playing the instrument on the soundtracks of every James Bond film from Dr. No to Skyfall.
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Early life
Was born in Reading, Berkshire and started to play the Cornet at the age of 4. By 17 he had turned professional.
Career
Jazz
He played in dance bands and big bands lead by Ted Heath, John Dankworth and Benny Goodman. He also played with Count Basie, Dizzie Gillespie, Oscar Peterson and Stan Tracey.
Classical
He made recordings with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, he also played for opera singers including Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Popular music
He played for many artists including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and The Beatles.
Film and television scores
In addition to the Bond film soundtracks he played on Chicago, Bridget Jones's Diary, Basic Instinct, Johnny English, Gladiator, Made in Dagenham, Superman and Superman II. He also composed incidental music for Midsomer Murders.
He was a visiting professor for trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music. He died from cancer, aged 68.
