John Barry, music composer, may have transferred his undoubted skill and talent to a Heavenly and celestial harp orchestra, but his musical legacy on Earth will remain with us for generations to come.

John Barry will always be most synonymous with many of the James Bond film soundtracks in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and especially the iconic The James Bond Theme, which although officially credited to Monty Norman, has his signature all over it. In terms of the Bond films, he will probably be best remembered for the Bassey Belters, “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds are Forever”. However his prodigious and prolific workload meant that he was to compose 90 film scores and soundtracks. The roll call is truly impressive – The Ipcress File, Born Free, The Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, King Kong, Jagged Edge, Out of Africa, Chaplin, Indecent Proposal and Dances with Wolves are just some of the blockbuster Hollywood movies underscored by John Barry. Recognition was quite rightly heaped on him, with 5 Oscars and numerous Grammys, Emmys and Bafta awards.

My introduction to John Barry was in 1971, when I became obsessed with a new TV programme produced by Lew Grade’s ATV. The show in question was The Persuaders, starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis as playboy detectives, frequenting the most glamorous of global locations. The on screen chemistry, humour and rapport between Roger Moore and Tony Curtis was stunning, only to be equalled by the theme music. In my humble opinion, this is still the best TV show theme music, although Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” inspired Top of the Pops theme  music, and Tony Christie’s “Avenues and Alleyways” theme to The Protectors, run it a close second and third.

What is your favourite TV or film theme?

If you would like a “soundtrack souvenir” from your favourite TV series or film, how about having the  vinyl record or CD, framed and mounted? Order now by clicking on……..  http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

…….. and this way your favourite TV or film soundtrack from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s 90s or the Noughties can be immortalised on your living room wall!! Alternatively this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a 40th or 50th Birthday, A Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Mother’s or Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

Here is a list of the James Bond film themes / scores, that were composed by John Barry –

# From Russia with Love – Matt Monro (1963)

# Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey (1964)

# Thunderball – Tom Jones (1965)

# You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra (1967)

# On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

# Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey (1971)

# The Man with the Golden Gun – Lulu (1974)

# Moonraker – Shirley Bassey (1979)

# Octopussy – Rita Coolidge (1983)

# A View To a Kill – Duran Duran (1985)

# The Living Daylights – Aha (1987)

If you would like one of these Bond themes, as a framed vinyl record or CD…….Order now, by clicking on…… http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

If you would specifically like one of John Barry’s hit vinyl singles, here is a list of his chart successes –

* “Hit And Miss” ( from Jukebox Jury TV show ) as The John Barry Seven plus Four, UK No 10 (first charted 1960)

* “Beat For Beatniks” as The John Barry Orchestra, UK No 40 (1960)

* “Never Let Go” as The John Barry Orchestra, UK No 49 (1960)

* “Blueberry Hill” as The John Barry Orchestra, UK No 34 (1960)

* “Walk Don’t Run” as The John Barry Seven, UK No 11 (1960)

* “Black Stockings” as The John Barry Seven, UK No 27 (1960)

* “The Magnificent Seven” as The John Barry Seven, UK No 45 (1961)

* “Cutty Sark” as The John Barry Seven, UK No 35 (1962)

* “The James Bond Theme” as The John Barry Orchestra, UK No 13 (1962)

* “From Russia With Love” as The John Barry Orchestra, UK No 39 (1963)

* “Theme From ‘The Persuaders'” as John Barry, UK No 13 (1971)

Have you selected the John Barry vinyl single / song of your choice? Order now, by clicking on…… http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/framed-singles/

For all other John Barry merchandise and memorabilia, click on his official website –  www.johnbarry.org.uk/