John Barry
John Barry
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Barry Prendergast was a British composer of film scores, best known for his iconic themes in James Bond films.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 3, 1933, in Yorkhill, Glasgow, Scotland. Passed away on January 30, 2011, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Scottish by birth, Barry was a renowned film composer who primarily worked in Hollywood. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful composers in the history of cinema.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, John Barry's early life was marked by hardship. His father abandoned the family when he was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him on her own. Despite these challenges, Barry's passion for music was evident from an early age. He began playing the piano at five and went on to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Barry composed scores for over 100 films, earning numerous awards and nominations. His most notable achievements include:
Composing the iconic theme music for ten James Bond films, cementing his association with the franchise.
Winning four Academy Awards (out of eight nominations) for Best Original Score: "Born Free" (1966), "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Out of Africa" (1985), and "Dances with Wolves" (1990).
Being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999 for his services to music.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Barry's most notable works include:
The scores for "Goldfinger" (1964), "Thunderball" (1965), and "You Only Live Twice" (1967), which solidified the Bond franchise's identity.
His work on "Born Free" (1966) and "The Lion in Winter" (1968), both of which earned him Academy Awards for Best Original Score.
The critically acclaimed score for "Out of Africa" (1985), which won him his fourth Oscar.
Impact and Legacy
John Barry's impact on cinema is immeasurable. His innovative and evocative scores have become synonymous with the Bond franchise, while his work on other films has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. He was a true master of his craft, pushing the boundaries of what film music could achieve.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Barry's influence extends far beyond his own compositions. His work has inspired generations of composers and filmmakers, shaping the sound of countless movies and TV shows. As one of the most iconic and celebrated composers in history, he continues to be widely quoted and remembered for his enduring contributions to the world of cinema.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, John Barry's music remains an integral part of popular culture, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and emotional depth. His life's work serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a passion for creative expression.
Quotes by John Barry

This is a great spectator course. People can view the entire race, which is really different from most cross country courses where the runners are in and out of trails and wooded areas. It makes for a much more interested and enthusiastic crowd.

In the financial markets you are paid for accepting risk. There is more reason to take risk now mainly because people who have taken the risk over the past five years have been richly rewarded.

It's a shame that schools like Princeton aren't taking the lead because they're too concerned about what they are going to find. They are the top schools that would need to use it because as the prestige of the institution increases so does the amount of cheating.

They?re going to look into some type of upgrade in signage. When you look at 91 accidents in such a short space of time, it is a concern.





