John Dankworth

biog

In a career that spans more than fifty years as a performer, composer, and conductor, John Dankworth combines confidence and virtuosity with eclecticism and unpredictability. Benny Goodman was his first idol, but he soon became impressed by the work of the great Charlie Parker, and took up the saxophone as a result.

He was voted Musician of the Year in Britain in 1949, the beginning of a succession of such honours, which included top composer, arranger and leader of both small and big bands, and was to continue unabated for the next fourteen years in Britain.