Posted by Tom Stockman in General News, Movies, Obits | 3 comments
Composer John Barry Dead at 77
His scores for eleven James Bond films were a huge part of the 007 series’ distinctive style. Film music aficionados around the world are expressing deep sadness over the passing of legendary composer John Barry who died from heart failure yesterday in New York. His scores were introspective, bombastic, and passionate, and forever changed the landscape of film music. The winner of five Academy Awards (two for BORN FREE, THE LION IN WINTER, OUT OF AFRICA, and DANCES WITH WOLVES), his many credits include ROBIN AND MARIAN, KING KONG (1976), STAR CRASH, ZULU, and THE BLACK HOLE. Though his artistry will be sorely missed, his legacy will continue to shine.
From the BBC:
Composer John Barry, famous for his work on Born Free, Out of Africa and the James Bond films, has died in New York of a heart attack aged 77.
Born John Barry Prendergast in 1933, the York-born musician first found fame as leader of the John Barry Seven.
His arrangement of Monty Norman’s James Bond theme led to him composing scores for 11 films in the series, among them Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.
His work saw him win five Oscars, while he received a Bafta fellowship in 2005.
His most recent film score featured in the 2001 war thriller Enigma, while a musical version of Brighton Rock, created with lyricist Don Black, had its London premiere in 2004…..
Read the rest HERE
One of the greatest film composers ever! Besides the Bond work I’ll remember him for the lush scores for SOMEWHERE IN TIME and BODY HEAT. Several years ago an excellent program on his work, Moviola, aired on PBS. I’m not sure if it’s availible on DVD, but two great compilations, Moviola and Moviola , are still out on CD.
I didn’t realize that all the above were composed by him…but I didn’t see the credit for “Somewhere in Time”…Thanks for the update. He will be missed very much!
Oh, really bad news for today :/ Another really talented man died…five Oscars speak for themselves…