- Born
- Died
- Birth nameGeorge Derek Fleetwood Bell
- Derek Bell was born on October 21, 1935 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Stephanie Bell. He died on October 15, 2002 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
- SpouseStephanie Bell(? - October 15, 2002) (his death)
- For 30 years, a harpist with the traditional Irish music band the Chieftains.
- Previously had distinguished career as oboeist with City of Belfast Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, other London orchestras, and orchestras in Moscow and Budapest. He also played with the Pittsburgh symphony orchestra and was for a time principal oboe player with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, with whom he also played piano and cor anglais.
- Joined "Chieftains" folk group in 1974 after sitting in with them since 1972. Along with Alain Stivell in Brittany and Alison Kinnaird in Scotland, revived the harp in folk-rock music.
- Child prodigy who wrote his first piano concerto at age 12.
- He was awarded the M.B.E. (Order of Member of the British Empire) in the 2000 Queen's Honours List for his services to traditional music.
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