Monty Norman, composer of the James Bond theme dies at 94

Monty Norman, a British composer best known for creating the enduring James Bond theme, has died at the age of 94.

The news that Monty Norman passed away on July 11, 2022, following a brief illness, was announced in a statement on his official website, according to Variety.

Most notably, Norman had written the music for Sean Connery’s performance as Dr. No in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No.

His James Bond theme, orchestrated by fellow Englishman John Barry, would go on to serve as the franchise’s anthem.

According to Norman’s website, “We recognized we needed a fresh, contemporary sound for the main theme, and in the up-and-coming young John Barry we discovered a brilliant arranger, so the entire thing worked extremely well.”

The theme was later the subject of dispute when Barry claimed authorship. As a result, Norman sued the Times of London for libel for a 1997 article denying Norman’s assertion that he was the genuine composer, according to the source.

Norman was granted 30,000 pounds plus court costs in 2001 when a jury in London’s high court found in his favor.