James Bond trumpet player Derek Watkins dies
Derek Watkins, the British trumpet player who played on every James Bond film soundtrack, has died aged 68, according to his friends.
By Richard Gray
2:46PM GMT 23 Mar 2013
The musician, who has played with The Beatles, Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton, died on Friday at home in Claygate, near Esher, Surrey, following a lengthy illness
Watkins was "widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player ever to grace the stage", said Philip Biggs, the editor of the Brass Herald.
As well as playing on the soundtrack for every 007 film from Dr No to Skyfall, he also performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
He was described by the great Dizzy Gillespie as "Mr Lead", said Mr Biggs.
Mr Biggs described him as "a fun loving musician who couldn't get enough of life, who loved his family" and had "no ego".
Watkins is survived by his wife Wendy and their children, Sean, Ellie and Sarah.
He was born into a brass band family and taught to play the cornet at the age of four by his father.
He then played in the band his father conducted – the Spring Gardens Brass Band in Reading, of which is grandfather was also conductor and a founder member.
Before turning professional he also played with his father's dance band.
His musical career also saw him perform with the BBC Big Band and prominent jazz musicians Johnny Dankworth, Maynard Ferguson and Benny Goodman.
