John Barry Prendergast was an acclaimed English composer and conductor of film music, born on 3 November 1933 in York. As a child, he grew up in cinemas owned by his father, which influenced his passion for music. During his national service in Cyprus, he learned to play the trumpet and began performing. After returning, he formed a band called the John Barry Seven in 1957, gaining recognition for his music arrangements.

His big break came when the producers of the first James Bond film, Dr. No, sought his talents after being dissatisfied with the initial theme. Over the next 25 years, Barry composed the scores for eleven James Bond films, crafting iconic tunes that became synonymous with the series. Barry also won five Academy Awards, notably  for Dances with Wolves and Out of Africa. He received an OBE in 1999 for his contributions to music. Barry’s legacy endures in film music, influencing many composers after him.