Peter Howell, a highly accomplished and versatile musician and composer, emerged into the world in the year 1949, his birth marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead to his widespread recognition and acclaim.
The life and times of John Howell, a musical virtuoso whose illustrious career spanned several decades. It all began in the late 1960s, when Howell embarked on a creative partnership with John Ferdinando, a like-minded musician with a passion for psychedelic folk. Together, they formed the bands Agincourt and Ithaca, releasing a total of five albums that showcased their unique blend of melodic harmonies and experimental sounds.
As their musical endeavors continued to flourish, Howell and Ferdinando's paths diverged, and Howell went on to join the esteemed Radiophonic Workshop, a renowned institution dedicated to the creation of innovative and groundbreaking music. It was during his tenure with the Workshop that Howell honed his skills and developed his distinctive style, which would remain a hallmark of his work throughout his career. And so, Howell's impressive discography continued to grow, with his time at the Radiophonic Workshop serving as a pivotal chapter in his remarkable journey as a musician.
Notably, in the year 1975, a pivotal moment in the illustrious career of accomplished composer and sound designer, Paddy Howell, marked the beginning of his association with the iconic British science fiction television program, Doctor Who. Specifically, he lent his talents to the creation of incidental music and special sound effects for the episodes Revenge of the Cybermen and Planet of Evil, setting the stage for a long-standing collaboration with the beloved franchise.
Fast-forwarding to 1980, when John Nathan-Turner assumed the role of producer of Doctor Who, he recognized Howell's exceptional skillset and commissioned him to reimagine the classic Doctor Who theme, thus ensuring a fresh and revitalized title sequence for the revamped series.
Peter Howell's innovative arrangement of the Doctor Who theme music was first introduced in 1980 on the iconic serial "The Leisure Hive", a production that also showcased his skillful composition of the incidental score. This revamped theme music went on to accompany Tom Baker's final season as the beloved Doctor, as well as the tenure of Peter Davison and the inaugural season of Colin Baker's time in the role.
Throughout the period spanning from 1980 to 1985, Peter Howell continued to make significant contributions to the world of Doctor Who, providing incidental music for no less than ten storied episodes. However, in 1986, a new chapter in the show's history was ushered in with the commissioning of a fresh theme arrangement from the talented Dominic Glynn, effectively bringing an end to Peter Howell's remarkable association with the iconic television program.
Notably, since the year 2013, Howell has played a pivotal and indispensable role within the renowned Radiophonic Workshop Band, embarking on extensive tours across the United Kingdom and beyond, alongside esteemed archivist Mark Ayres and other esteemed former members of the iconic Workshop.
Noted British audio engineer and television producer, Mark Howell, made a significant literary contribution in the year 2021 by publishing his autobiography, titled "Radiophonic Times", through the esteemed publishing house, Obverse Books. This meticulously crafted book provides an captivating insight into the extraordinary life and career of Howell, offering readers a unique perspective on his extensive experience in the audio and television industries.
