Bond theme composer Monty Norman dies, leaving a musical legacy

An official statement was posted to Norman's website which shared the news of the English composer and singer’s death, stating, “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”

Monty Norman made his biggest breakthrough as a composer in 1962, having landed the gig of scoring the first James Bond film, Dr No. Starring Bond 1.0 Sean Connery, the famous theme song has since been used in each of the 24 subsequent renditions. Norman has been a constant in the ever-changing world of 007.

Norman was born to a Jewish family as Monty Noserovitch in Stepney, east London in April of 1928. The young prodigee and his family were eventually forced to evacuate their home during the early years of the Blitz, the German bombing campaign of the second world war. They relocated to Hertfordshire, where Norman began guitar lessons and was pushed to become a singer.

Monty Norman. Copyright: montynorman.com

After receiving his first guitar – a gift from his mother, who bargained a good deal – the east Londoner made his way through a number of bands as a singer. Alongside comedian Benny Hili, Norman hit the road with a dual-act comedy and music show. Eventually, Norman found a love for composition and songwriting, writing on Expresso Bongo – often referred to as the first Rock ‘n’ Roll musical – after meeting the writer Wolf Mankowitz in 1958. The play ran in the West End for a year, eventually transitioning into a ‘59 film starring Cliff Richard.

Norman’s work with compositions earned him a connection with the then-forthcoming original Bond film. Dr No was released in 1962 and the theme song has lived on since. The instantly recognisable melody, the composer once shared, was based on an earlier piece by the composer called ‘Bad Sign, Good Sign,’ intended for a musical adaptation of A House For Mr Biswas. The original version features the same tingling guitar riff, instead played with a sitar

Despite the theme’s thriving success, Norman fought to earn his credit. A jazz arrangement in the film by another composer, John Barry, led many to believe that Barry had written the theme instead. Norman took the issue to court several times, winning a libel suit in 2001 against the Sunday Times for disavowing his credit.

Monty Norman. Copyright: montynorman.com

After Dr No, Norman returned to working in the theatre. His shows post-Bond included compositions for The Perils of Scobie Prilt, Pinkus, Stand and Deliver and Songbook. He also co-wrote Poppy with playwright Peter Nichols in 1982, which was staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The composer’s work brought forth a number of accolades, winning the Evening Standard and Olivier awards for West End theatre, the Ivor Novello songwriting award and even a Tony nomination for best Broadway musical.

Norman was once married to ‘70s actress Diana Coupland, with whom he shared a daughter. He is survived by his second wife, Rina Caesari, and his enduring musical imprint.

Read more of Monty Norman’s story and his lasting life’s work on his website.