By Bob Berry

The 24th James Bond movie, Spectre, starring Daniel Craig as 007, opens this week here in the States. And if the reception and early box office results from Europe are an indicator, this could be one of the biggest Bonds yet.

So here’s an interesting proposition to consider. Would the Bond films been the cultural phenomenon they became without composer John Barry?

Answer to my own question: Yes. of course. But without Barry, who composed the score to Dr. No, arranged Monte Norman’s 007 theme for that film and variations of it for 10 more films through 1987…well, let’s agree James Bond may not have been quite as special.

John Barry (November 3, 1933-January 30, 2011), had a truly distinguished career in film, winning 5 Oscars (including Best Original Score for A Lion in Winter and Out of Africa) and 4 Grammys, including Best Instrumental Theme for Midnight Cowboy. He was made an Officer in the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 1999.

But he never won an Oscar, A Grammy, did not even win a nomination, for his most recognizable work. Sounds like a assignment for Bond, James Bond.