Jack Parnell and Nigel the Conductor had something big in common: they both led The Muppet Show orchestra. But one of them was real and the other was felt (can you guess which?).
Sadly, Parnell passed away earlier this week at the age of 87.
Parnell first came into prominence in the 1940s as a popular drummer in the big band era. When he started putting together bands of his own in the 1950s, he was snatched up by Lord Lew Grade to head up the orchestra for his ATV broadcasting company. Twenty years later, the Jack Parnell Orchestra was in place to handle the music for The Muppet Show.
So every tinkle of Dr. Teeth’s keyboard, every strum of Gonzo’s ukulele, and every toot of Zoot’s sax was courtesy of the great Jack Parnell. And we salute him for all of his unforgettable work.
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by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com
