Talk:John Barry (composer)

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I added this information to the bio:

Barry and a-ha had several dissagrements during the making of the title song " The Living Daylights " and Barry went so far as to refer a-ha to being the Hitler Jugend. Barry has never soften up towards a-ha, but in 2006 .....etc..........( The bio continues as it were here )Mortyman 18:04, 8 April 2007 (UTC)


I was told that the famous correspondence course was based on a quirky mathematical formula for composing tunes. Anyone know if there's any truth in this? Jigsawpuzzleman 19:04, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

A quick gogle learns that the correspondence course was with a mr Bill Russo, a trombonist, and concerned arrangements for orchestras. I'm not aware if Mr Russo was a mathematician. See here for an interview with Mr Barry where he discusses the matter, and here for Mr Russo's obit. (Looks like someone meriting his proper wikipedia entry) Milliped 18:39, 26 February 2006 (UTC)

Indeed, indeed - thank you for that. Jigsawpuzzleman 13:45, 27 February 2006 (UTC)


"He does not associate himself with the modern James Bond movies." Which are modern? What does this mean "does not associate himself"?

I'm not the one who wrote it. It means he doesn't write the music for it. If you don't like the word 'modern' or 'associate' then you can propose a fix here. Thank you --Nkour 22:04, 6 Jan 2005 (UTC)


The arti9cle says he has been awarded an OBe, but it doesn't say when he was awarded this. Would someone be able to add this as I don't know and am not sure where to find the info. Thanks, Evil Eye 23:02, 27 July 2005

[edit] 'Big 4' of modern film composers

I strongly object to this statement, and suggest that it either be remove, or amended. Having spent 32-years as a record company executive, and producing the soundtracks of scores by Barry ('Frances', 'High Road to China') and Bernard Herrmann ('Citizen Kane', etc.), I would most certainly include Bernard Herrmann in lieu of Henry Mancini.--Jslasher 07:58, 9 April 2006 (UTC)

I agree. Not to disrespect John Barry, but who decided these 4 names were "the Big Four". What about James Horner? This is utterly POV, and I'm removing it. JackofOz 02:01, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

I do not mind the removal of this statement. However, note that while Herrmann is a legendary film composer, the subject is Modern Film Composers. While Mancini and Goldsmith have sadly passed away, both composers were still very active into their last years, well into the 1980's and 90's while Herrmann passed away in 1975 (if I rememeber correctly), and most of his most well known works date from the 50's and 60's. Also, whilst Horner is certainly a fantastic composer, I believe most people would agree that the four mentioned have a longevity and have a pedigree that the younger Horner has yet to aquire ... yet! TimC 12:52,01 Dec 2006

I do not mind either. Properly referenced quotes giving Barry credit for what is widely considered to be some outstanding work are fine. Placing him in an arbritary "big four" is POV and insulting to many other great composers. Mark83 21:00, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:JohnBarry1.jpg

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