In a career spanning six decades, Dankworth worked as the musical director for stars such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as fronting a number of his own bands, including The Dankworth Generation Band and The Dankworth Seven. He also composed a number of well-known TV themes, including The Avengers and Tomorrow's World. 

He is survived by his wife, singer Cleo Laine, and two children, themselves both jazz musicians.