James Bond Theme Song Composer Monty Norman Passes Away

The composer behind the iconic James Bond theme song, Monty Norman has passed away, aged 94.

The musician’s death was confirmed by a statement on his official website: “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”

Norman’s prolific six-decade career saw him work across major stage and screen productions.

In the early ‘60s, Norman was approached to compose the theme for Bond, but busy with two new stage shows at the time he was originally going to reject the gig until he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse.

According to his official website, the theme was still capable of giving the Londoner goosebumps all these years later.

“It was very heartwarming for me at the Albert Hall premiere of Skyfall when the garage door opens and they saw the original car, and the theme started everyone began applauding and cheering – that was a marvellous moment,” Norman said.

“Quite often these days people come up to me and say, ‘Oh, you're the man who wrote dum-diddy-dum-dum.’ 'They don’t even sing the melody!’ says Monty, laughing, 'but everyone seems to know what they mean!'”

Even before producing the Bond theme, Norman was a renowned composer/lyricist.

Between 1958 to 1960, he worked on a string of successful stage musicals in a row, including Irma La Douce, Expresso Bongo and Make Me An Offer, The Art Of Living.

Prior to that, Norman was a singer, performing as part of the big band craze, while also doing solo appearances and featuring in stage productions.