Pioneering jazz-rock saxophonist, bandleader and composer Barbara Thompson MBE died yesterday morning. The saxophonist's daughter Ana Gracey confirmed the passing writing on Facebook.
“My mum had the most extraordinary spirit - she never gave up, however, her body finally let her down after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s over the course of 25 years alongside complications with her heart towards the end. We dearly hope that she and our father have found each other once again.”
Just this week, the acclaimed saxophonist whose instrumental work adorns such beloved long-running high rating TV series in the unforgettable main theme of the David Jason starring A Touch of Frost and groundbreaking bands including her own Paraphernalia and tenure in the internationally acclaimed United Jazz + Rock Ensemble, was only days before her passing awarded a special APPJG (All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group) award at the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards that her daughter collected on her behalf.
Barbara Thompson photo: Martyn Goddard
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