The weathered double bass that rarely left his side now stands silent as Danny Thompson, the influential folk musician whose virtuosic playing transcended traditional genre boundaries, died peacefully on Tuesday at his home in Kent, England, at the age of 86.
Born in Battersea, south London, on April 4, 1939, Thompson grew up in a musical household where his paternal uncles were musicians from the North East.
Thompson’s distinctive playing style evolved from his time with the trombone during national service, influencing the melodic and counter-melodic approach he would later apply to the double bass. His early musical foundation was built on influences from blues legends like Big Bill Broonzy before he began making his mark in London’s evolving music scene of the 1960s. At the young age of 15, he purchased his beloved 1860 Gand & Frères double bass named Victoria for just £5, which would become his lifelong musical companion. Thompson’s first major career opportunity came in 1963 when he joined a tour with Roy Orbison, which coincidentally ran alongside The Beatles and helped establish important musical connections.
Thompson’s double bass artistry transcended rhythm, becoming a melodic voice shaped by his trombone background and blues influences.
As a member of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated from 1964 to 1967, Thompson participated in Britain’s blues revival before becoming a founding member of Pentangle, the folk-jazz ensemble that revolutionized the British folk scene by fusing traditional songs with improvisational elements. His warm, deep-toned bass playing served as the backbone for the group’s innovative sound.
Throughout his career, Thompson was known for his meticulous approach to recording, often preferring to play against finished instrumentals to achieve the perfect tonal balance in his bass performances.
Thompson’s collaborative spirit led him to work with an impressive array of artists, including John Martyn during the 1970s, Richard Thompson in the 1990s, and later with Kate Bush, Nigel Kennedy, and Baaba Maal. Beyond performing, he supplemented his income through music licensing for television and film productions, bringing his distinctive bass sound to broader audiences. These partnerships showcased his remarkable versatility, incorporating flamenco, Malian kora, and gospel influences into his playing.
Between 1987 and 2012, Thompson released six solo albums featuring his compositions and traditional arrangements. His contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and the Prog Rock Chris Squire Virtuoso Award in 2015.
After converting to Islam in 1990, Thompson continued performing well into his 80s, with his final notable appearance occurring at London’s Royal Albert Hall earlier this year for Richard Thompson’s 75th birthday celebration.
His legacy remains defined by his ability to elevate the bass from merely keeping time to becoming a voice of profound lyrical expression.
