Fame is fickle. John Barry won an Academy Award for Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves. On Kevin's next film, The Bodyguard, he fired John Barry in the middle of the scoring process. I thought John was great and I enjoyed every time I got to work with him. ----- Original Message ----- From: Adrian Cowdry To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 1:09 AM Subject: [MOPO] RIP John Barry
Sad news that the father of modern film soundtracks and scores has died. John Barry is perhaps the most influential of film composers since his early 1960's compositions and his rise in fame with the James Bond series. Barry was drafted on to Dr.No to jazz up the score that Monty Norman had composed, Barry was responsible for the staccato beat of the famous James Bond Theme while Norman was always credited for the composition it was Barry's arrangement that gave it notice. Barry went on to have a secure relationship with the Bond films producing the score for From Russia with Love while Lionel Bart composed the themes song. It was Goldfinger that secured Barry's place in film music fame with his big sassy title song and the employ of the big voiced Shirley Bassey. After Goldfinger Barry was greatly in demand and was responsible for some of the most innovative film music of the time with soundtracks to The Ipcress File, The Knack, Midnight Cowboy for which he won an Oscar and many more. It was the soundtrack for On Her Majesty's Secret Service that perhaps his best writing was evident. Barry went on to create music to many films some fading into obscurity and yet the music was always recognizable as having Barry's stamp. Since his retirement from mainstream music Barry's banner has been carried high with the likes of Michael Giacchino emulating him as well as other composers having influence from John Barry - Danny Elfman, James Horner, Hans Zimmer to name but a few. Together with Jerry Goldsmith and John Wiliams John Barry defined an era of film music. He was responsible for some of the most recognised themes including The Persuaders and possibly the greatest love theme ever We Have all the Time in the World sung by Louis Armstrong. Goodnight, goodnight John. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content. Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [email protected] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.

