John Barry, OBE (3 November 1933 - 30 January 2011), born John Barry Prende… Read Full Bio ↴John Barry, OBE (3 November 1933 - 30 January 2011), born John Barry Prendergast in York, UK is considered one of the "Big Four" of late 20th century film composers (the others being John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Henry Mancini).
His family was in the cinema business, but it was during his National Service that he began performing as a musician. After taking a correspondence course and arranging for some of the bands of the day, he formed The John Barry Seven. Barry then met Adam Faith, and composed songs and film scores on the singer's behalf.
It was this notoriety that caught the attention of the producers of Dr. No, who were dissatisfied with the score given to them by Monty Norman. Barry and the JB7 were hired and their recording of Norman's "James Bond Theme" would go on to be one of the most famous signature tunes in film history.
This would be the turning point for Barry, as he would go on to become one of the most celebrated film composers of modern times, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys, with such memorable scores as The Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.
Barry is often cited as having had a distinct style which concentrated on lush strings and extensive use of brass. However, he was also an innovator, being one of the first to employ synthesizers in a film score (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), and to make wide use of pop artists and original songs in Midnight Cowboy.
Living in his native England until the mid 1970s, Barry spent some time in Spain (for tax purposes) before spending much of his life in the United States, mainly in Oyster Bay, outside of New York.
Barry died of a heart attack on 30 January 2011, at his Oyster Bay home, aged 77 years.
His family was in the cinema business, but it was during his National Service that he began performing as a musician. After taking a correspondence course and arranging for some of the bands of the day, he formed The John Barry Seven. Barry then met Adam Faith, and composed songs and film scores on the singer's behalf.
It was this notoriety that caught the attention of the producers of Dr. No, who were dissatisfied with the score given to them by Monty Norman. Barry and the JB7 were hired and their recording of Norman's "James Bond Theme" would go on to be one of the most famous signature tunes in film history.
This would be the turning point for Barry, as he would go on to become one of the most celebrated film composers of modern times, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys, with such memorable scores as The Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.
Barry is often cited as having had a distinct style which concentrated on lush strings and extensive use of brass. However, he was also an innovator, being one of the first to employ synthesizers in a film score (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), and to make wide use of pop artists and original songs in Midnight Cowboy.
Living in his native England until the mid 1970s, Barry spent some time in Spain (for tax purposes) before spending much of his life in the United States, mainly in Oyster Bay, outside of New York.
Barry died of a heart attack on 30 January 2011, at his Oyster Bay home, aged 77 years.
Born Free
John Barry Lyrics
Instrumental
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@---ju6jp
Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart
Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star
Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide
Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free
(Stay free, where no walls divide you)
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide
Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free
@jerry3136
This song can take you away, like magic. I lost my only daughter a few years ago and miss her more than words can convey. However, as I sit and listen to this beautiful piece I can close my eyes and still hold her close to me, and it actually brings a smile to this old mans face. Thank you Mr Barry for this gift, a gift to travel back in time to happier days and be with a young lady who will always be Daddys little girl, thank you so very much,
@dormerhouse1
One day you and your little girl will be together again.
@sandramara4394
Sinto muito!!
@traceywyatt3473
💗
@diamondfateful
I agree; it is so invigorating!
@starmessenger
As I listened to this music I, for some reason, thought of my Dad. I closed my eyes and imagined him holding me when I was a little girl.. and pushing me on a swing.. and then grilling out on the patio when I was a young mother.. and wished that I could hug him and see his smile again. .. And then.. I read your comment — the top one as I am writing this — and could hardly believe what I was reading.. what an amazing synchronicity! Coincidence? Perhaps my Dad and your daughter are speaking to us from their higher plane of existence.
@TheGrowler55
Some songs are eternal, in my opinion this is one of them. 😎🇬🇧
@joshuakatzman4560
One of the greatest, most moving film scores ever composed, courtesy of the brilliant John Barry. I will always cherish my memory of watching Born Free in the theater as a child, as it fostered a lifelong passion in me for all things feline. Joy and George Adamson were two of the most important conservationists/environmentalists and wildlife advocates that ever graced our planet.
@ss2k10
Remember first seeing the movie in 1974. Even more evocative now than it was then !
@ScarlettPomerantz-mv1me
Me too Friend 🙏👍🌹 I was 12 when I saw the movie and Started Painting Big Cats , lions , Cheetas , etc and playing the Song on the Piano , over n over ..So Beautiful 🌹