Derek Watkins (trumpeter)

Derek Roy Watkins (2 March 1945 – 22 March 2013) was an English jazz, pop, and classical trumpeter. Best known for his lead trumpet work on the soundtracks of "James Bond" films, Watkins recorded with British jazz bandleaders as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and The Beatles. Dizzy Gillespie called him "Mr. Lead".
Life and career.
Derek Watkins was born on 2 March 1945, in Reading, Berkshire England. His great-grandfather had been a brass player in Wales with the Salvation Army. His grandfather taught brass at Reading University and was a founding member of the Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band, which he conducted until he was succeeded by Watkins' father. Watkins learned to play the cornet when he was four years old. He played in the brass band and with his father's dance band at Reading's Majestic Ballroom until he became a professional musician at age 17.
Beginning his professional career in London, Watkins was a member of Jack Dorsey's band at the Astoria Ballroom for two years (1963–65), and then joined Billy Ternent's orchestra at the London Palladium. He then became a freelance musician.
Watkins played in dance bands and big bands led by Ted Heath and John Dankworth, and in 1969 he toured and recorded with Benny Goodman. From 1970 to 1974 he worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles and recorded with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand. He often performed at Dante's jazz club with Louie Bellson and Don Menza, and he played with Count Basie, Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie, who nicknamed Watkins "Mr. Lead". He was a longtime member of the James Last Orchestra.
In classical music he recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra and accompanied opera singers, including José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Kiri Te Kanawa.
His discography included the 1988 solo album, "Increased Demand".
Film and television scores.
Watkins is most notable for his soundtrack performances on "James Bond" films beginning with "Dr. No" and ending with "Skyfall" just before he died. In addition to the "Bond" film soundtracks, he played on the soundtracks "Bridget Jones's Diary", "Basic Instinct", "Johnny English", "Gladiator", "Made in Dagenham", "Superman" and "Superman II". His solo opens "Chicago", the Academy Award-winning Best Picture of 2002.
Together with Colin Sheen and Jamie Talbot, Watkins composed incidental music for the TV series "Midsomer Murders", and production music for KPM Music Ltd. He co-wrote and performs the music heard in the title sequence for "Murder Is Corny", a 2002 episode of the A&E TV series "A Nero Wolfe Mystery".
Teaching and scholarship.
Watkins was a professor of trumpet and commercial brass consultant at the Royal Academy of Music. He also began working on instrument development in 1975, consulting with Richard Smith of Boosey & Hawkes on the design of the Sovereign Studio trumpet. In 1985 they set up their own manufacturing company, Smith-Watkins Brass Instruments, which supplies handmade instruments to studio musicians, brass bands and the military.
Death.
Derek Watkins died on 22 March 2013, from cancer, at the age of 68.
Awards and honors.
In April 2013 the Royal Academy of Music announced the creation of the Derek Watkins Chair of Trumpet.
Discography.
As sideman.
With Georgie Fame
With Peter Herbolzheimer
With James Last
With Jimmy Nail
With Stan Tracey
With Colin Towns
With Kenny Wheeler
With Robbie Williams
With Bill Wyman
With others