Alan Hawkshaw

Alan Hawkshaw is a composer and performer, particularly of themes for movies and television programmes. In the 1960s, he was a member of rock and roll group Emile Ford ant the Checkmates. In the 1970s, he played in

Alan Hawkshaw is a composer and performer, particularly of themes for movies and television programmes. In the 1960s, he was a member of rock and roll group Emile Ford ant the Checkmates. In the 1970s, he played in The Shadows; he worked for Olivia Newton-John as a musical director, arranger and pianist; and he was a keyboard player for Cliff Richard. He composed all the music for the Mysterious Universe series by Arthur C. Clarke. Hawkshaw also composed 'Best Endeavours', which has been the theme for Channel 4 News since its inception in 1982, and 'Chicken Man', which was the theme for Grange Hill from its start in 1978 until 1990.