Music legend Donegan buried in Britain

Friends and musicians paid their final respects to music legend Lonnie Donegan at his funeral today.

Friends and musicians paid their final respects to music legend Lonnie Donegan at his funeral today.

The skiffle star died last week midway through a British tour after collapsing at the home of friends in Peterborough, where the service took place today.

Singer Joe Brown, one of his close friends and contemporaries, said after the service: "It was a great tribute to a great artist." Donal Gallagher, brother of Irish guitar legend Rory Gallagher also paid tribute to the man most responsible for bringing American music to Europe.

Floral tributes were sent by a host of friends with whom the musical pioneer had performed over the years.

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Among the many floral tributes were wreaths from Sir Elton John, Queen's Brian May, and the Rolling Stones.

Mourners at Peterborough Crematorium sang one of Donegan's songs, Over In The Glory Land, during the service and a jazz band played his coffin in.

Donegan's sons David (13) and Peter (19) also spoke about their dad. A native American blessing was read at the end of the service, which was attended by four of the singer's children as well as his wife, Sharon.

Donegan, 71, inspired numerous stars to take an interest in music including Sir Paul McCartney.

Musicians in the congregation included guitarist Albert Lee and jazzman Kenny Ball.

PA