John Barry dies

[Iain Purdon]

Hot from the news wires

"The Oscar-winning composer, John Barry, has died of a heart attack at the age of 77. The winner of five Oscars, and four Grammys, he composed the theme for the films Born Free, Dances with Wolves and the the television series The Persuaders. But he will be best known for composing eleven James Bond sound-tracks."

I think I may have heard the John Barry Seven before I even heard the Shadows.

A sad loss to our world.

RIP

[Rosemary]

Hi Iain
This is terrible news and a big shock for us here too. We must have almost every soundtrack he wrote. An absolutely brilliant composer. Very sad to hear that but thanks for letting us all know.
Rosemary

[RayL]

He will, of course, be best remembered for his film music but he was a prolific writer of rock instrumentals from the late 1950s onwards until the film music took over. We in The Secrets included his Hit and Miss and Saturdays Child on our first album and there are many, many, examples of his clever arrangements of other people music as well as his own compositions.

As well as composing for films, he also appeared in at least one, Six-five Special (a spin-off from the TV show) in which the John Barry Seven are revealed playing in a railway carriage!

Ray

[Tim]

Very sad news. Hit and Miss was a part of my growing up and was one of the (many) reasons I wanted to learn the guitar. A great musician and composer - thanks for the wonderful music.

[panchodiaz]

Sad news. Rest in peace.

[David Martin]

But will not be forgotten.... the music lives on.

[dave robinson]

A sad loss of an immense talent and inspiration. Right from the time when I first heard the Jukebox Jury theme 'Hit And Miss' until more recently when I bought Shirley Bassey 'The Performance' album and listened to his contribution, 'The Time Is Now', his melody, mood and texture is amazing. I can't think of anyone who did it better.
RIP John and thank you for your music.

[neil2726]

very sad news, he was up there with the greatest classical composers. "Somewhere in Time" will always be my favourite.

[drummerman]

This is very sad news indeed. I, like many here in this community i'm sure, have always loved his fine fine music.

Rest in peace, Mr. John Barry. Your music will certainly live in.

Richard Cooke-Jarlø.

[drakula63]

He was one of the greatest. I also loved his TV themes - most notably for The Persuaders.

He wrote the score for a film called Somewhere in Time, which is incredibly moving. We played it, on cassette, at the funeral of a friend of mine a few years ago. Nothing could really have captured the emotions on the day as well as this.

His music will live on forever.