Charismatic drummer, bandleader and producer
Jack Parnell dies of cancer, aged 87,
in Southwold, Sussex, England, UK, Europe. Parnell was voted best drummer in the
Melody Maker poll for seven years in succession. He composed many television themes, including Love Story (for which he won the Harriet Cohen Award), Father Brown, The Golden Shot and Family Fortunes. He was a regular judge on the ATV talent show New Faces. He was appointed musical director for ATV in 1956, a post he held until 1981, and served as the 'real' conductor for The Muppet Show orchestra during the entire series.