Danny Thompson Bass Player Remembered: Folk and Jazz Legend Dies at 86

Danny Thompson, the legendary English double bassist and co-founder of Pentangle, has died at the age of 86. Known for his unmatched versatility, the celebrated danny thompson bass player left an indelible mark on folk, jazz, and rock.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born in Teignmouth in 1939, Thompson first experimented with a homemade tea chest bass before mastering the double bass as a teenager. By 16, he was performing in London clubs, and after military service in Malaysia, he returned to Britain to tour with Roy Orbison.

Key Early Highlights:

• Built his first bass from a tea chest and piano wire

• Played multiple instruments before settling on double bass

• Joined the music scene in Soho by his mid-teens

Pentangle and Collaborations

In 1967, Thompson co-founded Pentangle alongside Jacqui McShee, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, and Terry Cox. The band’s 1969 release Basket of Light reached the UK top charts, cementing their influence.

Beyond Pentangle, Thompson collaborated with major artists across genres:

• Kate Bush

• John Martyn

• Nick Drake

• Richard Thompson

• T-Rex

• Talk Talk

• Peter Gabriel

These partnerships showcased his ability to adapt his sound seamlessly, making him one of the most respected double bassists of his era.

Recognition and Later Years

Thompson’s contributions earned him the BBC Radio 2 Folk Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He also released solo projects such as Whatever in 1987. In later years, he remained active through BBC’s Transatlantic Sessions and numerous collaborations.

Quick Facts Table

Legacy of a Musical Force

Tributes from across the music world hailed Danny Thompson as a “force of nature.” His collaborations with John Martyn, work with Pentangle, and sessions with Kate Bush and Nick Drake ensure his name stands among the greatest in modern folk and jazz history.