Photo: press

A UK musician, who performed trumper on every James Bond soundtrack has died, aged 68.

Derek Watkins, who American jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie described as ‘Mr Lead’, died at home in Surrey following a lengthy illness.

The editor of the Brass Herald Philip Biggs, who was also a close friend of Watkins, said he was “widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player to ever grace the stage.”

Watkins was born into a brass band family and taught to play the cornet by his father when he was just four.

Having turned professional as early as 17, Watkins went on to play with some of the biggest names in the British music industry, including The Beatles, Elton John, Eric Clapton, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

He also played on every James Bond soundtrack from Dr No to Skyfall.

Watkins was on every soundtrack right up to Skyfall

Mr Biggs went on to describe Watkins as “a people’s person - no side, no ego, a fun loving musician who couldn’t get enough of life, who loved his family.”

David Arnold, composer for five Bond soundtracks, also paid tribute to the trumpet player.

“Very very sad news... the legend that was Derek Watkins, gentleman, musical genius and Trumpet on EVERY Bond score has just passed away,” he wrote.

Mr Watkins is survived by his wife Wendy and their children, Sean, Ellie and Sarah.

Below: James Bond - 50 years of theme tunes