Newbold Verdon People No 1: James Watson (1951 to 2011)
This series of occasional articles celebrates those people who call, or have called, the parish of Newbold Verdon their home for some or part of their life, and who have a story worth telling and celebrating.
Our first article is about James Watson, who lived at 6 Preston Drive for the first twelve years of his life, and who from these modest beginnings rose to the very top of his chosen profession as an internationally renowned trumpet player, conductor and professor of music. But more than that, it is, by his family’s own account, the story of a thoroughly good person who never lost sight of his roots.
Family and Early Life
James was the eldest of four children – Robert, Jeremy and Judith being his siblings – born to Jim and Doreen Watson.
Here we see the boys with mum and dad (Judith yet to be born) in the back garden of number six, James standing beside his mum. You could describe them as a fairly typical Newbold family: Dad worked at Bagworth pit and Mum, or Ma as the children called her, was a stay-at-home-mum.
What set them apart, however, was their musical prowess. Doreen had won the North of England Piano Championship when aged only eight, and Jim was a highly accomplished brass band player.
All four children followed in their parents’ footsteps: Judith at the piano and all three boys playing brass instruments. During their time in Newbold, the family would be called upon to play for social events as well as for church services at the Baptist chapel. On occasion, Jim and Doreen provided musical entertainment at wedding receptions held at the Miners’ Institute.
From Prodigy to Professional
As talented as the whole family was, James stood out from an early age. By eleven, he was the principal cornet player in the Desford Colliery Band. At fourteen, he became the Junior Champion of Great Britain and surpassed that achievement in the same year by winning the Senior Champion title, a feat never before accomplished.
During his teenage years James focused on the trumpet and after leaving Coalville Grammar School he was offered a place at the Royal Academy of Music. On leaving the Academy at age 22, James obtained the position of principal trumpet in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – the youngest person ever to have achieved this role.
In 1978, aged 27, James released his first solo album, Trumpet Man. He performed with several prestigious
ensembles and eventually became principal trumpeter at the Royal Opera House.
A Return to Brass
In 1987, James returned to his roots, rejoining the Desford Colliery Brass Band as musical director. During his four-year tenure, the band won the National Championships in each year.
He later became the musical artistic director of the Black Dyke Mills Band, overseeing the most successful
period in its history. In 1995, the band won both the National Championships and the European title. Two years earlier, James conducting, Black Dyke became the first British Brass band to play at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York.
Stage and Screen
James was prolific in commercial music, contributing to hundreds of soundtracks. His credits include the Star Wars Trilogy, Superman I-V, A Bridge Too Far, Gladiator and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, being just a few of the more notable contributions. He also enjoyed working in the studios with the likes of Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Tori Amos, The Levellers and Paul McCartney.
The Royal Academy
In his final decade, James served as Head of Brass at Britain’s most prestigious music academy. In 2005, he was appointed professor. During a visit in December 2007, Queen Elizabeth, patron of the Academy, was introduced to James.
His contribution to music, especially brass, was widely acknowledged by his peers. Today, the Royal Academy honours his legacy through the James Watson Visiting Professor of Trumpet position, awarded to an outstanding trumpeter.
Back to his Roots
Despite his huge success, James never forgot where he came from. He remained generous with his time and passion for music. Here we see James, alongside brass band colleagues and headteacher Malcolm Mould, posing after a performance at Newbold Verdon Primary school.
Finale
James Watson died of a heart attack on 6th February 2011, aged fifty-nine. In those six decades, he made the most of his exceptional talents and generously shared his knowledge with those eager to learn. He deserves to be remembered and celebrated by a place in the parish Archive.