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Tributes are paid to trumpet player Derek Watkins

Tributes are paid to trumpet player Derek Watkins

TRIBUTES have been paid to the trumpet player Derek Watkins who has passed away at the age of 68.

During his long career as a professional musician, Mr. Watkins had played with many of the greats, including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Eric Clapton. He also played with many jazz greats including Benny Goodman and Johnny Dankworth.

His many recording credits included having played on every James Bond film soundtrack from Dr. No to Skyfall.

Mr. Watkins had been born into a family in Reading which had been steeped in brass band music. Having been taught to play the cornet at the age of four, he had first played in a band in which his grandfather had been a founding member and which his father had gone on to conduct.

He had turned professional at 17 and would eventually play in both the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. At various points in his career he also played lead trumpet in the BBC Big Band and appeared with James Last (see below).

His standing as a player was reflected in the fact that he was visiting professor for trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music.

Mr. Watkins passed away at his home in Surrey following a long illness.

He is survived by his wife Wendy and their children Sean, Ellie and Sarah.

To see footage of Mr. Watkins playing with James Last, click here.

To view an advertisement in which Mr. Watkins was featured, click here.

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