Derek Watkins (trumpeter)

Derek Roy Watkins was an English jazz, pop and classical trumpet player. Best known for his lead trumpet work on the soundtracks of every James Bond film from Dr. No to Skyfall , Watkins recorded with every notable British jazz bandleader as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and The Beatles. Dizzy Gillespie called him Mr. Lead.

Derek Watkins was born onMarch 1945, in Reading, Berkshire England. His greatgrandfather 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 fathers dance band at Readings Majestic Ballroom until he became a professional musician at age 17.

Source: Wikipedia