A mainstay of the British Jazz scene and a real idol of mine
BBC report

Oh, that does make me sad. Years ago I saw him perform in Hamilton, Ontario. He and his group did a set before the "main attraction", his wife, Cleo Laine. I didn't want that first set to end. Thanks for the link.

The new city of Milton Keynes is a place which lots of British people poke fun at but which is home to some wonderful British institutions. The Open University is based there, for example, and so was John Dankworth who lived with his wife, Dame Cleo Laine, in Wavendon. Forty years ago John and Cleo opened a theatre in the converted stable block at the back of their house and since then generations of musicians, actors, comedians, and other performers have strutted their stuff, tried out new material, started their careers, made comebacks, and just celebrated their talent in a small and intimate theatre of the sort hard to find elsewhere.

Generations of children have learned music at The Stables in Wavendon through the Wavendon Allmusic Plan which John Dankworth supported. They were able to learn instruments, sing, play together, and take part in music of all genres at a level they'd never have got elsewhere. The British love to make music, the Allmusic Plan gave a lot of them the chance to do so from a very young age.

In the summer months, the Dankworths opened their back garden for music weekends. I have spent many happy hours with friends and a picnic, picking daisies from the Dankworth's lawn, and listening to jazz musicians from all over the world play set pieces on a small tented stage and then jam until they had no more puff. A few years ago I invited some friends up from London one of whom had been to school with Johnny Dankworth so during the interval we got a message to him and he joined our picnic. And then as the weather had been variable that day, Dame Cleo arrived with umbrellas. It was a magical day for us and one I shall always remember.

John Dankworth died on the 40th anniversary of the opening of The Stables; his legacy will live on, and so will the music.

A person like Johnny Dankworth's Contribution to life in general is an uplift to the spirit; the ripples caused by openly caring, sponsering and encouraging artist have lasting benefits
I never met him but this bright spot sounds to be a fit memorial. I hope the Stables continues to be a venue of joy
...kevin

I'm saddened! He played - a very long time ago - at the Students' Union dances at Edinburgh University, and would sit and chat with any and all when he was having a break. A fine man and wonderful musician.