John Barry, the First Husband of Jane Birkin

John Barry, the First Husband of Jane Birkin

Overview

John Barry Prendergast, known as John Barry, was a British composer and conductor famous for his film music. He is best known for composing the scores for eleven James Bond films from 1963 to 1987 and for arranging and performing the iconic "James Bond Theme" for the first film in the series, "Dr. No" in 1962. Barry also composed award-winning scores for films such as "Dances with Wolves" and "Out of Africa," as well as for television series and other movies throughout his illustrious 50-year career. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999.

Early Life and Education

John Barry was born as John Barry Prendergast on November 3, 1933, in York, England. His mother was a classical pianist, and his father, John Xavier "Jack" Prendergast, owned cinemas across northern England. Growing up in and around cinemas influenced Barry's musical tastes and interests. He received his education at St Peter's School in York and also took composition lessons from Francis Jackson, the Organist of York Minster.

Career

After serving in the British Army, Barry began his musical career as a trumpet player. He worked as an arranger for various orchestras and formed his own band, the John Barry Seven, in 1957. The band achieved success with hit records on EMI's Columbia label. Barry also gained recognition for arranging music for other artists and composing film scores. His breakthrough came with the BBC television series "Drumbeat," where he performed with the John Barry Seven. He later worked for EMI from 1959 to 1962, arranging orchestral accompaniments for the company's singers. He composed songs and scores for films featuring Adam Faith, including his first film score for "Beat Girl" in 1960. Barry's music for the film was released as the UK's first soundtrack album. He continued to compose and arrange music for films and albums throughout his career.

Barry's association with the James Bond film series began when he was hired to arrange Monty Norman's theme for "Dr. No" after the producers were dissatisfied with the original version. This led to a successful collaboration that lasted for 25 years, during which he composed and performed the scores for several Bond films, including "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," and "Moonraker." Barry's Bond soundtracks became famous for their combination of brassy jazz elements and romantic melodies. He also incorporated his love for Russian romantic composers into his music, creating a unique and recognizable style.

Apart from the Bond series, Barry composed scores for numerous other films, including "Born Free," "The Lion in Winter," "Midnight Cowboy," "Out of Africa," and "Dances with Wolves." He was known for his ability to enhance the critical reception of a film with his music. Barry was a versatile composer, employing lush strings, brass instruments, and even synthesizers in his scores. He also wrote the theme for the TV series "The Persuaders!" and composed music for musicals such as "Billy" and "Lolita, My Love."

Personal Life and Legacy

John Barry was married four times. His first three marriages to Barbara Pickard, Jane Birkin, and Jane Sidey ended in divorce. He married his fourth wife, Laurie, in January 1978, and they had a son named Jonpatrick. Barry had three daughters from previous relationships. In 1975, he moved to the United States and lived there until his death in 2011.

Barry's contributions to music were widely recognized. He received numerous awards, including five Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and ten Golden Globe Award nominations. In 2005, he was honored with the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award. His music continues to be celebrated and influential, and his Bond scores are considered iconic in the world of film music.

John Barry's legacy as a composer and conductor remains significant. His ability to create memorable and evocative film scores has left an indelible mark on the industry. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and film composers, ensuring that his contributions to music will be remembered for years to come.