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.
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Sal Merola
I will always say that John Barry is the best composer ever
Merlin 2010
Fantastic film.Deserves to be much better known.And what a soundtrack from John Barry.you just know its his music after a few barres.
Grover895
John Barry was a superb composer. These modern day 'composers' would do well to study how true movie music was composed and presented by this truly remarkable man. So sorry he has passed away.
mmmbeachlover
This has to be one of the most evocative and moving pieces of movie music of all time.
Is there any other word for the man than 'genius'.
Young Mentors
John Barry was master of understanding the mood of story, one the reason his scores so easily absorb into movies and make them unforgettable.
r3500vdp
As mentioned by others, a much underrated film, that is as good as the book it is based on.
Liam Kelly
Magnificent music and movie.
apislapis
Great film with fantastic soundtrack. RIP John Barry, RIP Michael Apted.
Joel André COIN
John Barry was the best composer of the XX century. As so good as Chopin, Berlioz, Bethoven and others classical composers. (A French worshipper)
JOHN PAUL
This is great I have never gotten into this composer"s music before but this is awesome!...Bravo!!!