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John Barry, Composer of James Bond Classics, Dies at 77

Dave Hogan, Getty Images

Composer John Barry has died aged 77 after suffering a heart attack. Best known for his work on 11 James Bond movie scores, Barry was also behind the legendary themes for 'Midnight Cowboy,' 'Born Free' and 'The Ipcress File.'

Born John Barry Prendergast in York, England in 1933, he first found fame with the John Barry Seven and their cover of 'Walk Don't Run' topped the UK charts in 1960. The following decade saw Barry moving into movie scoring and his magic touch was most keenly felt on a succession of James Bond movies which included 'From Russia With Love,' 'Goldfinger,' 'Thunderball,' 'You Only Live Twice' and 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'

While Barry did not compose the James Bond theme -- it was written by Monty Norman -- his lush, strings-laden version for 'Dr. No' in 1962 became one of the most iconic piece of music in cinema history.

The soundtrack album to 'Goldfinger' famously removed the Beatles' 'A Hard Day's Night' from pole position and earned him his first gold disc.

The BBC reports that Barry won five Oscars for scores including 'Out of Africa' and 'Dances With Wolves.' He received a Bafta fellowship in 2005 and in 1999 was awarded the OBE for his services to music.

Watch the John Barry Orchestra Performing the James Bond and 'Goldfinger' Themes

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dickn2000b

The reason the date of John Barry's death was not included by the pitiful journalist who wrote this piece, is because it's old news. Barry died on Jan. 30th, 2011. He was included in the deaths of stars during the Oscar ceremony. Truly, a giant in music has fallen. I love his music and have much of it in my collection.

March 14 2011 at 11:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JMartin

Here's another 'obituary' on this site that doesn't include the date of death. That's kind of important to make note of when reporting on someone's passing, don't you think?
My condolences to Barry's family.

February 13 2011 at 1:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Keith

John Barry was a Giant in musical scoring of Film. I remember him best from his series of James Bond films of course. But I so thoroughly enjoyed his work in 'Out of Africa', and 'Dances with Wolves'. He ranks right up there with Elmer Bernstein and Jerry Goldsmith as the best of the best. Rest in Peace Mr Barry.

February 01 2011 at 5:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Keith's comment
Jottie

I love his music for the film 'Somewhere in Time'. Just beautiful! RIP.

February 03 2011 at 2:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply