Dr Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke Band have paid tribute to Maurice Murphy, the former principal cornet player of the band, who died on Thursday.

Deep Harmony

In a concert in Skipton on Thursday evening, the band performed ‘Deep Harmony’ as a mark of respect to the player who held the principal cornet seat from 1957 until 1962.

"The news of his death reached us yesterday," Black Dyke’s MD told 4BR. "It was a real shock to us all. The thoughts of everyone associated with Black Dyke go out to his family. He became a legendary player during his time with the band and his performances are still talked about to this day. He will be greatly missed."

Maurice turned up, picked up his instrument and produced playing that was simply sensationalDr Nicholas Childs

Personal memories

Nicholas Childs has fond personal memories of working with the great player on numerous occasions, including a concert whilst he conducted Tredegar and during a recording of 'The Messiah' with Black Dyke.

"Maurice came down to Tredegar to play in a concert. We could have sold out the hall twice over. He was simply breathtaking. A few years later Black Dyke recorded 'The Messiah' and there was only one person who we wanted to play the famous trumpet part. Maurice turned up, picked up his instrument and produced playing that was simply sensational."