In recent news, Monty Norman, the iconic James Bond theme composer, has passed away. He was 94 at the time of his death. Reports state that the British composer took his last breath on Monday, July 11, 2022. The saddening piece of news was shared on his official website that said that it was sad that they shared the news that Norman died after a short illness. After the news announcement, netizens are flooding social media with tributary posts and condolence messages. Here, in this article, let us check who was he and what happened to him?
Taking to Twitter, James Bond shared a picture of the deceased composer along with the caption that read that they are saddened to learn of the passing of Monty Norman today. The post added that Monty created the iconic anthem to accompany the cinematic entrance of the world’s greatest secret agent, 007, and they are eternally grateful for his contribution to the franchise.
Although not much information about Monty Norman has been made available on social media, it is said that he was suffering from a short illness that eventually claimed his life. Born on April 4, 1928, in East London, to Jewish parents, Monty Norman was best known for composing the score for Dr. No, the 1962 James Bond film starring Sean Connery. Needless to say, his theme for James Bond, became the theme for the entire franchise.
According to the statement on Norman’s website, they recognized we needed a fresh, contemporary sound for the main theme, and in the up-and-coming young John Barry, they found a wonderful arranger, so the whole thing worked well. Years later, when Barry claimed authorship of the theme, a controversy ensued; as a result, Norman sued the Times of London for libel over a 1997 article. It challenged Norman’s claim that he was the original composer.
In 2001, a jury in the High Court of London rendered a verdict in Norman’s favor, awarding him 30,000 pounds plus court costs. Later, Norman claimed that he had felt vindicated by the choice. Big band singing was Monty Norman’s first love before he began writing songs for musicals and movies like Songbook and Poppy and Make Me An Offer as well as for pop performers like Cliff Richard. His daughter and second wife Rina Caesari are his only survivors. It is no doubt to state that people who admired Monty Norman are saddened to learn about his sudden demise.
