Date of Birth: August 14, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: June 22, 2015
Biography
James Roy Horner was an American composer, conductor, and orchestrator, renowned for his work in film scoring. Born on August 14, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, Horner grew up in a family with a rich musical background. His father, Harry Horner, was a set designer, and his mother, Joan Ruth, was a writer. James developed a passion for music at an early age, learning to play the piano when he was just five years old. Horner studied at the Royal College of Music in London before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Southern California. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also taught music theory. James Horner’s breakthrough in film scoring came with the 1982 science fiction film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” His career took off from there, and he went on to compose scores for numerous high-profile films, including “Titanic,” “Braveheart,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Avatar.” Horner received two Academy Awards for his work on “Titanic”—one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song for “My Heart Will Go On.” Throughout his career, Horner was known for his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music. He seamlessly blended traditional orchestral elements with electronic sounds, creating memorable and impactful scores. Tragically, James Horner’s life was cut short when he died in a plane crash on June 22, 2015, near Santa Barbara, California. He left behind a legacy of unforgettable music that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about James Horner
1. James Horner began playing the piano at the age of five.
2. He won two Academy Awards for his work on the film “Titanic.”
3. Horner’s score for “Avatar” became the highest-grossing film score of all time.
4. He often incorporated traditional folk music and choral elements into his compositions.
5. Horner was a licensed pilot and tragically died in a plane crash.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Horner
1. “My job is to make sure that, whatever the lens of the camera is focusing on, that the audience feels it and understands it.”
2. “I think music can make you feel invincible.”
3. “I don’t want to be too repetitive, but I also want to be consistent.”
4. “I’ve always looked at movies as a wonderful combination of art and commerce.”
5. “For me, writing is a solitary thing and you’re alone, and you get lost in your music.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, James Horner’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.
Children
James Horner had two daughters with his wife, Sarah Horner: Emily Horner and Becky Horner.
Relevant Links
1. [James Horner IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000035/
2. [James Horner’s Official Website](http://www.jameshorner-filmmusic.com/
5. [James Horner’s Legacy on Classic FM](https://www.classicfm.com/composers/horner/