John Bodwin is considered by some to have been one of the best brass players of his age.

Early years

He grew up in Northern Ireland, attending Dalriada School

Dalriada School

Dalriada School is a mixed voluntary grammar school in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. The school draws its pupils from a wide geographical area and a range of social, religious and cultural backgrounds. In 2008 the school won the Northern Ireland State Secondary School of the Year award from The...

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1954-55 - BBC National orchestra of Northern Ireland (Tuba)

In 1955 he moved to London.

1955-61 - Newcastle Philharmonic orchestra( Euphonium, Tuba)

1960-61 - Several jazz bands (Tuba, Trombone)

John Bodwin quintet(1961-82)

In 1961, John Bodwin abandoned classical music altogether to set up his own band - The Bodwin Brothers, with his brothers Jacob(piano) and Martin(drums).

They performed successfully until 1964, when they were joined by two of his cousins, Tom Bodwin and Alan Bodwin to form the renamed John Bodwin Quintet. They soon became very popular in mainland Europe.

Full lineup -

John Bodwin - tuba, trombone, bass trombone, baritone, euphonium, vocals, backing vocals

Tom Bodwin - bass guitar, double bass

Alan Bodwin - guitar, 7-string guitar, 12-string guitar, vocals, backing vocals

Martin Bodwin - drums, percussion

Jacob Bodwin - piano, keyboards

Solo Work(1983-97)

In 1982, the quintet disbanded due to 'boredom', or so they claimed. John Bodwin carried on as a solo artist, and in 1991 held a successful reunion concert called John Bodwin & Friends.

In 1997, at the age of 63, he left music completely to fulfil his life's ambition - become a maths teacher.