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.

By Bob Berry

Calling it “one of the highlights” of his career, British singer Sam Smith has confirmed what everyone pretty much knew:

He will sing the theme “Spectre“, the 24th James Bond film. “Writing’s on the Wall,” will be released on September 25. The movie debuts on October 26 in the UK and on November 6 in the United States.

Sam Smith was a four-time winner at this year’s Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, plus Song and Record of the Year. But singing the Bond Theme is an entirely different gig. Smith will be following the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey (“Goldfinger”), Sir Paul McCartney (“Live And Let Die”), Duran Duran (“A View To A Kill”), and Adele; whose recording of “Skyfall” became the first 007 theme to win The Brit Awards, Golden Globes and Academy Award in the same year!

Is he up to the task? It’s an open question, according to the UK’s Guardian newspaper. But then, people doubted Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and the newest Bond (now on his 4th round of Tuxes), Daniel Craig.

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