Danny Thompson

Danny Thompson
Thompson performing in 2008
Background information
Also known asHamza Thompson
Born
Daniel Henry Edward Thompson

(1939-04-04)4 April 1939
Teignmouth, Devon, England
Died23 September 2025(2025-09-23) (aged 86)
Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England
Genres
Occupation
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Instruments
Years active1964–2024
LabelsIsland Records, Rykodisc
WebsiteOfficial website

Daniel Henry Edward Thompson (4 April 1939 – 23 September 2025) was an English multi-instrumentalist, best known as a double bassist. During a long musical career he played with a large variety of other musicians, particularly Richard Thompson and John Martyn. The Times said he had "a technical virtuosity and an intuitive feel for whatever he was playing".

For four years between 1964 and 1967 Thompson was a member of Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. He led a trio that included guitarist John McLaughlin and was a founding member of the British folk-jazz band Pentangle. Between 1987 and 2012 he recorded six solo albums. He converted to Islam in 1990.