Monty Norman: composer of the James Bond tune dies

Monty Norman: composer of the James Bond tune dies

Monty Norman, the composer of the famous James Bond tune, is dead. He died at the age of 94.

Monty Norman (1928-2022), the composer of one of the most famous tunes in film, is dead. The British singer, lyricist and composer was the creator of the “James Bond Theme”. Monty Norman passed away on July 11, 2022 after a short illness. His family also confirmed Norman’s death. The cause of death is not known. He was 94 years old.

The composer was born in April 1928 and grew up in London. He first gained notoriety as a singer – including in big bands and on stage alongside artists such as Benny Hill (1924-1992) and Peter Sellers (1925-1980). Later he concentrated mainly on composing and created songs for other well-known artists such as Cliff Richard (81).

A trademark of the agent

However, none of his other works can come close to the fame of the “James Bond Theme”. Norman had not originally composed the iconic piece for “James Bond – 007 hunts Dr. No”, the first part of the cult series. It is based on the track “Bad Sign, Good Sign” that Norman previously worked on for a musical that was never performed. John Barry (1933-2011) then rearranged the theme. The melody became the agent’s musical trademark and has been used again and again in new versions in the series.

Norman was later able to defend himself in court against the claim that he had not composed the piece. , which had claimed in a 1997 article that Barry wrote the theme – and not he.

Norman was also the first husband of actress Diana Coupland, who died in 2006 and was best known for the British sitcom “Bless This House”.

Source: Stern

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