Sir John Dankworth CBE (NYJO Vice-President – 1967-2010)
February 21, 2010 by admin
The recent death of Sir John Dankworth CBE marks the end of his 43 years of close involvement with NYJO – as Vice-President, he contributed to NYJO’s well-being in innumerable ways.
He played on a number of recordings with the band, most recently taking the alto solo on a tune especially written by
Evan Jolly to celebrate his Knighthood – Sir Johnny Comes Swinging Home – which appears on NYJO’s CD When You’re Ready.
Sir John also appeared live in concert with the band on a number of occasions and, together with his wife Dame Cleo Laine, supported NYJO through their Wavendon Foundation – indeed, the Lady Vocalist’s ‘Chair’ in the orchestra is currently sponsored by the Foundation.
NYJO’s founder and Life President Bill Ashton (right, with Sir John) is preparing a feature article with more details about Sir John’s involvement with, and support for, the band – this will appear here later.
