Jankel's music career spans more than 40 years. He came to prominence in the late 1970s as the guitarist and keyboardist of the rock band Ian Dury and The Blockheads. With Dury, Jankel has co-wrote some the band's best-known songs including "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll", "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", and "Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3".
In addition to his work with the Blockheads, Jankel's solo career has resulted in nine studio albums. He has a long list of credits as both a performer and as songwriter.
