4BR has been informed of the death of Derek Watkins. One of the musical world’s great trumpet players, he died following a lengthy illness. He was 68.
Foremost
Derek Watkins was widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player ever to grace the stage, sharing unequalled status on both sides of the Atlantic.
He was especially held in the highest esteem by the very finest trumpet players in the USA from East to West Coast.
Brilliant
Philip Biggs told 4BR: "They always asked about him when I visited the USA and made sure they told me what a brilliant a trumpet player they thought he was. They always wanted to know how he was, showing their great affection for him.
In fact, Derek was asked about more than any other British brass player when I travelled to the USA for band conferences and clinics."
Dizzy tribute
It was reported that the great Dizzy Gillespie once told friends: "When you speak of lead trumpets, Derek is ‘Mr Lead’."
Brass band
Derek Watkins was born into a brass band family and taught to play the cornet at the age of four by his father. He played with the brass band his father conducted, Spring Gardens Brass Band in Reading, of which his grandfather was also conductor and a founder member.
He also played with his father's dance band until he turned professional at the age of 17, before going on to perform with many worldwide artists including, Johnny Dankworth, Maynard Ferguson, Benny Goodman, Ted Heath, Frank Sinatra and the James Last Orchestra.
He also appeared with The Beatles, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton, the London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras, amongst countless many, and played on the soundtrack on every James Bond movie from ‘Dr No’ to ‘Skyfall’.
It was reported that the great Dizzy Gillespie once told friends: When you speak of lead trumpets, Derek is ‘Mr Lead’4BR
Hottest property
Philip Biggs added: "He was regarded for over 50 years as the hottest property around when it came to trumpet playing, whether it was on the stand live with the band, playing with the backing orchestra, on the film track or for the CD. Derek was leader of the lead trumpet."
Very much a ‘people person’ he was a warm, gregarious, had no ego, fun loving musician who couldn’t get enough of life and who loved his family.
Generous
Philip concluded: "Whenever I saw Derek, whether visiting the BBC Maida Vale studios in London to listen to him play with the BBC Big Band, or at a gig, he would always have a broad smile on his face and be only too ready to tell you a story.
Derek was always hugely generous with his praise and encouragement."
Derek Watkins was Visiting Professor for Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music, lead trumpet of the BBC Big Band and gave masterclass clinics at music colleges around the world.
Company
He formed a ground breaking association with Dr Richard Smith, Doctor of Acoustics, at Boosey & Hawkes and together they set up their own manufacturing company, Smith-Watkins Instruments, where they manufactured and supplied both trumpets and cornets.
Derek is survived by his wife Wendy and their children, Sean, Ellie and Sarah and their seven grandchildren.
With thanks to Philip Biggs
Picture courtesy of Kevin Wedrychowski
Donations can be made to support the Derek Watkins charity at the following:
