Today, 80 years ago, John Williams was born. In my book, and no doubt many other books, John Williams is the greatest composer that the film industry has ever known. Like me, I’m sure you can recount many times where a John Williams score brought tears, made you jump and made you feel like getting up and cheering at the top of your lungs. So, thank you John Williams, for making great movies, amazing. Happy Birthday Sir!
And now for some bonus John Williams facts.
- Born Feb 8th, 1932
- Has composed some of the most recognisable film scores in the world including the Star Wars saga, Jaws, Superman, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindlers List, Indiana Jones
- Composed music for four Olympic Games
- Also composed the music for The Dreamworks Production Logo
- Has won 5 Academy Awards, 4 Golden Globes, 7 BAFTA Awards and 21 Grammy Awards
- After Walt Disney, John Williams is the second most nominated person in the Oscars, with 47 nominations
- Was drafted to the U.S. Air Force in 1952
- Worked as a jazz pianist
- Worked for Henry Mancini
- Annual concert at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Performed the famous piano riff on the original recording of Henry Mancini's theme to "Peter Gunn"
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1998
