John Russell Parnell, known professionally as Jack Parnell, was born on August 6, 1923, in London, England, was a musician and musical editor. He began his musical career during military service in the 1940s, joining Buddy Featherstonhaugh’s Radio Rhythm Club Sextet and playing drums with Vic Lewis. From 1944 to 1946, Parnell recorded with Lewis. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, he was voted best drummer in the Melody Maker poll for seven consecutive years. In 1956, Parnell became the musical director for ATV until 1981. He composed several television themes, including "Love Story" (for which he won the Harriet Cohen Award. He died in Southwold, Suffolk, on August 8, 2010.
