John Barry, the remarkable composer of memorable and enduring movie music, died today at 77. He is one of my favorite composers of pop music, 
listenable day in and day out. Most people identify him with the James Bond 007 movies, for which he wrote the scores. I fell in love with his music with his Out of Africa score. He produced music for decades, writing popular themes from the 1960s until his last score in 2001.
For many, the score for Midnight Cowboy, a powerful, breakthrough film, was their first memorable John Barry work. Dances with Wolves, an unlikely movie for great music, Chaplin, and The Lion in Winter also helped spread his legend.
But for me, the haunting score from Somewhere in Time, done as a favor for Jane Seymour, is his most memorable.
He was a giant at his musical craft. I shall miss his pen . . . but continue to enjoy his life’s work.