We got the news this week that Britain's composer and lyricist, Monty Norman, passed away at age 94. You may not be familiar with the name. However, Mr. Norman definitely secured his place in movie history as the man who composed the James Bond theme for the 1962 action thriller, Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as the suave hero spy. The theme was used in the 007 spy adventures that followed through the decades.
It was reported by the BBC News that, when approached to compose the theme for the 1962 hit film, Monty Norman dusted off one of his previous compositions that had not been used and rewrote it to fit the hip spy movie. The rewrite really didn't quite work for Norman until he replaced the sitar riff with an electric guitar.
Did you know that the distinct electric sound was inspired by the music in the first five minutes of a 1960 British teen movie called BEAT GIRL? Watch and listen.
Did you hear it? Did you see young Oliver Reed be-bopping along to the music?
Rest in peace, Monty Norman, and thanks for the iconic movie theme music.
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