From writing Countdown theme to Jay-Z samples: The amazing career of Leeds musician Alan Hawkshaw
Leeds-born musician Alan Hawkshaw might not be the most familiar of characters but pretty much everyone will know his work - for people over 40, he wrote the theme tune for Grange Hill, for everyone else he also penned the irritatingly catchy tune for Channel 4’s Countdown (since co-opted by Eight of Ten Cats Does Countdown) and he is also responsible for one of the most sampled pieces of music in pop. It’s called The Champ and once you hear it, you’ll know it.
During his 50-plus years in the music industry, Hawkshaw has brushed shoulders with the likes of The Beatles, David Bowie and Serge Gainsbourg.
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Hide AdDespite his considerable success, he remains close to his Leeds roots, and in particular the city’s College of Music, where his charitable foundation helps students disadvantaged backgrounds.