'James Bond Theme' composer John Barry dies at age 77

NEW YORK: Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer John Barry died on Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 77, his family said Monday.

Barry, of Yorkshire, England, is probably best known for his composition of the James Bond Theme, but his five Academy Awards came for his compositions for 'Born Free,' 'The Lion of Winter,' 'Out of Africa,' and 'Dances with Wolves,' which also earned him a Grammy.

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1998, Barry successfully composed the 'James Bond Theme' for 1962's 'Dr. No' movie and went on to score 11 of the next 14 James Bond movies, including 'Goldfiner,' 'Diamonds are Forever,' and 'You Only Live Twice.'

Barry, whose father ran eight cinemas in York and whose mother was a pianist, learned to play the trumped and piano at an early age, and began a rock band before beginning his film score career.

Barry died in his Oyster Bay, New York home. He is survived by his wife Laurie, his four children, and five grandchildren.

(BNO NEWS )