John Dankworth
Michael Parkinson's castaway is jazz musician John Dankworth.
John Dankworth studied music at the Royal Academy when jazz was not an approved subject - "I used to pretend my saxophone was a bassoon when I put it in the left luggage department of the Academy".
In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as a jazz musician and composer, and about how he is trying to break down the musical barriers at the Stables in Wavendon and with his Summer Pops season at the Barbican.
[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]
Favourite track: When That I Was and A Little Tiny Boy by Cleo Laine
Book: The Exchange & Mart
Luxury: Solar-powered synthesizer
Last on
Music Played
![]()
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
Clarinet A La King
- The Earl.
![]()
John Williams
Vals Op 8 No 4
- Portrait of John Williams.
![]()
The Argument
Castaway's Favourite
![]()
Cleo Laine
When That I Was and A Little Tiny Boy
Artist: John Dankworth
- Cleo Laine Sings Word Songs.
![]()
Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31
Soloist: Ashkenazy
![]()
Professor Peter Schickele
My Bonnie Lass She Smelleth
Orchestra: Amateur Musica Antiqua Of Hoople
- The Stoned Guest.
![]()
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
Such Sweet Thunder: Lady Mac
- Such Sweet Thunder.
![]()
Maurice Ravel
La Valse
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Andre Previn
- Andre Previn's Music Night.
Book Choice
The Exchange & Mart
Luxury Choice
Solar-powered synthesizer
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Michael Parkinson |
| Interviewed Guest | John Dankworth |
Broadcasts
- Sun 2 Mar 198612:15BBC Radio 4
- Fri 7 Mar 198609:05BBC Radio 4
Featured in...
![]()
Archive 1986-1991—Desert Island Discs
Guests are invited to choose the eight records they would take to a desert island
The Desert Island Discs podcast
Subscribe or download individual episodes.
Listen to over 2,000 programmes
Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.
Articles
Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.
Podcast
![]()
Desert Island Discs
Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.
Related Content
