John Barry

Date of Birth: November 3, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 30, 2011

Biography

John Barry was an acclaimed English composer and conductor, best known for his influential work on the scores of the James Bond films. Born in York, England, Barry developed an early interest in music, largely influenced by his father, who owned several movie theaters. Barry’s career took off in the late 1950s when he formed the John Barry Seven, a jazz band that enjoyed considerable success. His big break came when he was hired to arrange Monty Norman’s James Bond Theme for “Dr. No” (1962). This led to a long association with the Bond franchise, for which he composed scores for 11 films, including iconic themes for “Goldfinger,” “Thunderball,” and “You Only Live Twice.” Barry’s work extended beyond Bond, encompassing a wide array of film genres. He won five Academy Awards for his scores for “Born Free” (1966), “The Lion in Winter” (1968), “Out of Africa” (1985), and “Dances with Wolves” (1990). His music is characterized by lush orchestration, memorable melodies, and a distinctive use of brass. In addition to his film work, Barry composed music for television and the stage. Throughout his career, Barry collaborated with many of the industry’s top directors and musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film music. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence composers to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about John Barry

1. John Barry was born John Barry Prendergast in York, England.

2. He won five Academy Awards and four Grammy Awards throughout his career.

3. Barry was initially a jazz musician and formed the John Barry Seven in 1957.

4. He served in the British Army and was stationed in Cyprus.

5. Barry was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999 for his services to music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Barry

1. “I think the biggest difficulty is when you are in love with an idea too much. When you’re in love with the idea more than the project itself, it can be very dangerous.”

2. “Music is the only language that can speak to all people.”

3. “I never get tired of hearing about the impact my music has had on people.”

4. “The most important thing is to keep the feeling alive. Every time you write, you should be excited and passionate about what you’re doing.”

5. “The greatest reward as a composer is to have your music touch people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Barry’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

John Barry was married four times and had four children: 1. Suzanne Barry (daughter with Barbara Pickard) 2. Sian Prendergast (daughter with Ulla Larsson) 3. Kate Barry (daughter with Jane Birkin) – Kate was a renowned photographer and tragically passed away in 2013. 4. Jonpatrick Barry (son with Laurie Barry)