Bond Man: John Barry, OBE, 1933-2011

Oscar-winning composer John Barry, has died at the age of 77: he wrote scores for many films, including "The Ipcress File", "Zulu" and "Midnight Cowboy" -- but we'll all remember his Bond theme, music that, like diamonds, is, well, forever.

Comments

[Lucy]

Such stylish, evocative music. I'm now craving smooth cars and strong drinks. R.I.P.

[Sophie Delphis]

I've just discovered your blog - I hope it's all right I've linked you?

[sjt]

Small point. John Barry didn't write the James Bond theme. Monty Norman did, went to litigation to prove it, and won, bigtime. Barry wrote the full scores for several of the later Bond films, always incorporating Norman's original music. So your "we'll all remember his Bond theme" is rather wide of the mark, I'm afraid.

[Bruno]

The main theme of "Out of Africa" is, in my opinion, one of the finest pieces of music ever written. RIP.

[Phill]

RE: Sophie Delphis - While it was proven in court that Monty Norman wrote the guitar riff - that's all he came up with. The rest was from John Barry's jazz idiom, from the octave figure, to the 3 note vamp, the bebop fanfare, the coda, the final chord, and the arrangement for jazz orchestra. There are dozens of similarities between these and works not only in the jazz repertoire, but various John Barry Seven hits. One only has to listen to 'Good Sign/ Bad Sign' to hear the enormous contribution that Barry made.

Also of note - Barry was unable to attend several key days of the trial, due to illness.