David Ferguson
24 May 1953 – 5 July 2009
David Ferguson, former chairman of BASCA, member of both PRS and MCPS Boards, and architect of the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance passed away on 5 July, aged 56.
Originally part of an influential band called Random Hold that toured with XTC, OMD and Peter Gabriel in the early 80s, Ferguson moved into writing music for TV in 1983.
His big break came once he made the recommended freelance list of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. From there, he wrote the music for the BAFTA and EMMY nominated The Sword of Islam, which launched his career.
With his style much in demand, Ferguson went on to write compositions for over 180 documentary programmes, including ITV’s Diana – Story of a Princess and Robert Hughes’ American Visions, and instantly recognisable drama scores like Cracker.
Ferguson’s achievements in the music industry have had a similar impact.
Following his appointment as Chairman of BASCA in 2002, he was appointed to the MCPS Board in 2003 and to the PRS Board in 2004. Over this time he conceived and launched Academy Recordings to help BASCA members release their own material and brought new unity of purpose to songwriters and composers across Europe.
BASCA awarded Ferguson with its highest honour, the Fellowship, at the 2009 Ivor Novello awards.
Ferguson's funeral is taking place today and will be a private family affair.