OSCAR-WINNING composer John Barry, who wrote the scores for Out of Africa and numerous Bond films including Goldfinger, has died at the age of 77, his family said on Monday.
He died on Sunday in New York, reportedly of a heart attack, and leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Laurie, four children and five grandchildren. Barry was best known for his association with the James Bond films — he scored 11 films including Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice — and his atmospheric scores are credited with giving 007 much of his smooth persona.
“I think James Bond would have been far less cool without John Barry holding his hand,” said David Arnold, his successor as the 007 score composer, describing his death as a “profound loss”. Although Barry did not compose the distinctive theme tune to the Bond films — that was the work of Monty Norman — he provided the arrangement that became known to millions. He also achieved wide success outside the Bond movies, winning Oscars for Out of Africa, Dances With Wolves and The Lion in Winter, and two for Born Free, for best song and best music score. In a film career spanning over three decades he composed and arranged music for some 100 films, many of which became household names, including Midnight Cowboy in 1969.
“It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on the 30th of January 2011 in New York,” a family statement said. “Barry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laurie, and his four children and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be strictly private and a memorial service will be held later this year in the UK.”
Barry was born in 1933 in the northern English city of York and developed his love of films while growing up around his father’s movie theatres. His favourite film as a child was Errol Flynn’s The Adventures of Robin Hood.