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James Bond Composer John Barry Dies At 0077

By  Lisa Brenner
Published Jan 31, 2011 12:00 AM
Composer_John_Barry.jpg
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Renowned UK film composer whose iconic James Bond theme created a mood that launched a legacy, has died of a heart attack in New York at 77. The BAFTA fellow and OBE recipient won 5 Academy Awards for his work on Out of Africa, Dances With Wolves, Born Free, and The Lion In Winter. The emotional allure of Barry's sound is recognizable in brassy arrangements, often-jazzy choices and swoon-worthy strings. Barry is responsible for 11 James Bond films, however his under-discussed score for Peggy Sue Got Married contains the single most beautiful musical cue of all time. If you dont weep when you hear it your heart is made of twigs. The entire piece is exceptional, but (1:35) is where the crying starts. RIP John Barry.