Watch Doug Murray Cause Of Death

The jazz pianist Doug Murray, who has died after suffering a brain haemorrhage aged 69, was my friend and partner for 12 years. Doug was brought up in Belfast and started piano lessons aged eight, then began teaching himself jazz piano using records and sheet music from 13. In 1956, he started playing with the Ulster Rhythm Kings, and he later joined the White Eagles jazz band in Belfast.

Doug attended the Belfast Royal Academy; considered “odd” at school, he was sent to the school doctor because of his refusal to participate in, and hatred of, all sports. He was awarded a place to study English literature at Queen’s University, but his love of jazz and his certainty, at a young age, that his life lay in other directions resulted in his moving to London in 1961 and studying graphics at Chelsea Art School.