Formed

:

March 2, 1945

Disband

:

March 22, 2013

Genre

:

Film

 

Derek Watkins was a renowned British trumpet player who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on March 2, 1945, in Reading, England, Watkins grew up in a musical family. His father, Jack Watkins, was a trumpet player, and his mother, Olive Watkins, was a pianist. Derek's brother, Mike Watkins, was also a professional musician, playing bass guitar for the British rock band, The Animals. Derek Watkins began playing the trumpet at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He received his early musical education at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of trumpet virtuoso, Maurice Murphy. Watkins graduated from the academy in 1964 and began his professional career as a freelance musician. Watkins quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after trumpet players in the UK. He played with a variety of orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He also worked as a session musician, playing on numerous film soundtracks, including the James Bond films, "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," and "You Only Live Twice." In addition to his work as a classical musician, Watkins was also a respected jazz player. He played with the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band and the John Dankworth Orchestra, among others. He also recorded several albums as a solo artist, including "The Derek Watkins Trumpet Album" and "The Great Film Themes." One of the highlights of Watkins' career was his performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Watkins played the trumpet solo during the hymn, "I Vow to Thee, My Country," which was broadcast to millions of people around the world. The performance was widely praised, and Watkins became a household name overnight. Watkins continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, working with a variety of artists, including Elton John, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison. He also played on the soundtrack for the hit TV series, "The Vicar of Dibley." In 2000, Watkins was diagnosed with cancer, but he continued to perform and record despite his illness. He played on the soundtrack for the film, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," and recorded an album with the brass band, The Cory Band, called "A Touch of Brass." In 2006, Watkins was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He continued to perform and record until his death on March 22, 2013, at the age of 68. Derek Watkins was a true master of the trumpet, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come. His talent, dedication, and passion for music inspired countless musicians and fans around the world, and his legacy will continue to live on through his recordings and performances.

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