Jim Parker, an award-winning composer who worked on TV shows including the UK series of House of Cards and Midsomer Murders, has died aged 88.
Parker’s daughter, Claire Parker, paid tribute to her father, saying that he ‘wore his talent lightly’ and ‘had a quiet passion and great sense of humour’.
‘His ambition was first and foremost for audiences to enjoy his music,’ she said.
‘He was both well-respected and well-liked within the music and television industry, writing so many memorable theme tunes, and always giving 100% commitment, which led to collaborations often lasting many years.
‘He will be missed by friends, family and colleagues.’
In addition to the aforementioned productions, Parker also worked on productions including Foyle’s War, Soldier Soldier, Mapp and Lucia and The House of Elliott in his illustrious career, which spanned six decades.
He also released four music albums with English poet and writer Sir John Betjeman, as well as collaboratingwith comedian Victoria Wood and rock band Procol Harum.
Born in Hartlepool, County Durham on December 16 1934, Parker attended the Guildhall School of Music, graduating as a silver medallist.
He performed as an oboist in a British Army band based in post-war west Germany, and later joined the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, before becoming a member of a poetry and music group called Barrow Poets.
Parker had three musicals produced on the West End in London, including Follow The Star.
He also had concert works written for the Nash Ensemble, Philip Jones Brass, The Hilliard Ensemble, The Albion Ensemble, The Wallace Collection and Poems on the Underground.
Parker also received an honorary degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The late composer was married to his wife Pauline Parker for 54 years, with the couple sharing two daughters together, Claire and Amy. Parker also had a daughter called Louise from a previous marriage.
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