Monty Norman, musician, singer and soundtrack composer, has died at the age of 94. He announced it on his official website with a short message: “It is with sadness that we share the news that Monty Norman passed away on July 11, 2022 after a short illness.” Norman was the composer behind the iconic “James Bond” theme song arranged by John Barry.
Norman was born in 1928 in London and sang in jazz bands in the 1950s and 1960s. He subsequently went on to compose musicals, including the adaptation of the novel ‘Make Me an Offer’ and the English version of ‘Irma la dulce’, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. In film and television he has also composed songs for the films ‘The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll’ in 1960, ‘The Master of the Jungle’ in 1963 and the miniseries ‘Dickens of London’ in 1976. In 1989 he received the medal gold in merit for his services to British music from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (now The Ivors Academy) and was married to actress Diana Coupland with whom he shared a daughter.
The 007 controversy
In 1962 he composed the soundtracks for ‘Agent 007 vs. Doctor No ‘with Sean Connery, including the songs ‘Under the Mango Tree’ sung by the character of Ursula Andress”Kingston Calypso” and “Jump High”. Based on a previous melody he wrote for the musical “A House for Mr. Biswas” included in the theme “Bad Sign, Good Sign”, Norman created the mythical theme of Agent 007, but the director, Terence Young, and the publisher, Peter Hunt, considered it insignificant. That’s when Barry came in, incorporating instruments like a guitar and recording an arranged version that would eventually become a musical hit after the film’s premiere.
Starting with the next installment of the franchise, “From Russia With Love,” Barry took over the musical direction of the “James Bond” films and continued to use the Norman theme throughout the sequels. It seemed that everything was going well between the two and that the arrangement of the song was intended as a team effort, however, Barry claimed full authorship and Norman sued the Sunday Times for defamation claiming that Barry composed the story. A 2001 jury at the London High Court ruled in favor of Norman. The specific causes of death were not disclosed.
“We are saddened to learn of Monty Norman’s death today. Monty created the iconic anthem to accompany the cinematic entrance of the world’s greatest secret agent, 007, and we are eternally grateful for his contribution to the franchise.” Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli pic.twitter.com/R2IYZMYSac
? James Bond (@ 007) July 11, 2022
“We are saddened to learn of Monty Norman’s death today. Monty created the iconic anthem that accompanies the cinematic entry of the world’s greatest secret agent, 007, and we are forever grateful for his contribution to the franchise.” Michael G Wilson & Barbara Broccoli.
Source: E Cartelera
