Death aged 82 of jazz legend John Dankworth

The saxophonist, whose career spanned more than half a century, died in King Edward VII hospital, London. He had been ill for several months.

His death was announced by his wife, jazz singer wife, Dame Cleo Laine, during a star-studded concert marking the 40th anniversary of the entertainment venue they set up together at their Buckinghamshire home.

Better known as Johnny Dankworth before he was knighted in 2006, Sir John started his own jazz orchestra in the 1950s and went on to work with the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.

He was also a prolific composer, writing the theme tune for TV shows The Avengers and Tomorrow's World, and films including Modesty Blaise, The Servant and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.

His agent Jim Murtha said: "For British jazz and jazz around the world, I believe John has become such an international figure, particularly since he became Sir John Dankworth a few years ago."

A concert marking the 40th anniversary of The Stables, in the grounds of Sir John's home in Wavendon, Bucks, went ahead on Saturday as planned. It featured performances from Dame Cleo, his jazz musician children Alec and Jacqui, as well as stars including Paul O'Grady, Maureen Lipman and Victoria Wood.

Sir John was born in Woodford, Essex, in 1927 and showed early proficiency on the clarinet. After falling in love with the music of legendary US saxophonist Charlie Parker, he took up the same instrument.

He won a place at the Royal Academy of Music aged 17, and was voted British Musician of the Year in 1949.

Jazz star Jamie Cullum paid tribute to the musician on his Twitter page, calling him a genius.