Monty Norman, the Briton who composed the theme for the James Bond franchise, has died at the age of 94.
A statement posted on Mr Norman’s official website on Monday said that “it is with sadness that we announce that Monty Norman passed away on July 11, 2022 after a short illness”.
Born Monty Noserovitch to Jewish parents in east London, Mr Norman got his first guitar aged 16. He played with several bands and formed a duo with comedian Benny Hill, before composing music for British rockers like Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele.
He has also composed music for musicals such as Make Me an Offer, Espresso Bongo, Songbook and poppy.
Mr. Norman had been hired by director Albert “Cubby” Broccoli to compose the theme for the first James Bond film, James Bond 007 versus Dr No in 1962.
He was then inspired by a piece he had composed for a possible musical adaptation of the novel. A House for Mr. Biswas, from writer VS Naipaul, switching the central riff from sitar to electric guitar. The result ― twangy, propelling, menacing ― has been used in all 25 films in the franchise so far.
Directors asked John Barry to re-orchestrate the theme, and it was long assumed that Mr. Barry was the author ― much to Mr. Norman’s chagrin. Mr Barry, who died in 2011, composed music for a dozen James Bond films, including Goldfinger and You only live twice (You Only Live Twice).
Mr. Norman turned to the courts to enforce his rights, suing the Sunday Times for defamation after the publication in 1997 of an article which claimed that the theme had been composed by Mr. Barry.
He prevailed and was awarded £30,000 compensation in 2001.