John Williams: ‘I’d love to compose a Bond score’ | Exclusive 90th birthday interview

[@JoelEverettComposer]

Why has nobody done a video / film documentary on him while we still have him? A proper documentary just focused on him and his work.

[@matthewfisher4677]

Yes! I was just thinking the same thing!

[@nevertheless123]

there is a BBC documentary from 30 years ago. This guy is a relic of hte past present and future. But I agree wouldnt hurt to have another docu.

[@Wills-Corner]

RIGHT?! He deserves it!

[@swimboyfree]

YES

[@BryanRiel]

Whoever made HBO's Spielberg doc should do it!

[@alexboyajian2096]

If the man wants a Bond score, give him a bond score. I love John Williams and all his work. He is truly the best. And such a wonderful man

[@dreamarcher4018]

It would have to include the main theme as all the other scores before have. I don’t know whether I’d like his signature sound on it though. He is more worthy of action films just like Danny Elfman is known for horror, fantasy and stories by Tim Burton.

[@Shadowman820]

I'm sure he would do great but I fear I won't happen anymore now .

[@davidleavitt835]

Amen. I am not a big Bond fan, but would love Williams' take on Bond.

[@Swarm509]

@@dreamarcher4018 At times having constraints on a project can be rewarding as one works around them. I'm sure he understands he will need to incorporate the Bond Theme, and possibly past ones, but there is still a wide canvas to work on with the rest of the movie... especially with a new Bond in the next movie.

[@TANKTREAD]

That would be very interesting.

[@carpark1414]

"Is my job the hardest job in the world? ... I've never laid bricks ..." These are the words of a man who is great because he sees himself as one human in a vast collection of humans doing their part, neither one more special than the other, and he appreciates the work even in a brick layer. To be that humble after having accomplished that much means he has zero ego. His music speaks for itself. Thank you John for entertaining our ears and breathing life into movies.

[@Joemma-cq4jk]

AMEN !!!

[@esra_erimez]

*This*

[@SolarMumuns]

What a lovely and true comment. Well said. May the universe bless JW

[@ender7278]

I think to be composing for an orchestra one would have to see themself as one human in a vast collection of humans doing their part. Every member of the orchestra has their part.

[@lukeshoo]

Bro what? His job is obviously not the hardest job in the world. Is that all it takes to impress you??

[@meowmochimeow]

Wow he doesn't even look 90, I thought he was in his early 70s. Absolutely insane, he's also as sharp as a knife. I hope to be this put together at his age. Love you Mr. Williams, you're a legend!

[@gunnarkilborn3915]

Exactly! He looks like he will reach 100 and I hope he does, at 2:47 he said "Film composing is only 80 years old or 90 years old" so he's basically saying that he's older than the idea of his own job.

[@henriktveit3069]

Music makes him alive

[@masonrenne7190]

I couldn't agree more

[@hoosier3060]

Music has a special life force that helps maintain our molecular structure. I bet it’s helped his brain stay incredibly sharp.

[@kthx1138]

Music, that which stimulates his imagination, enriches his passion and brings him so much joy, keeps him young!

[@mattkirkhamm]

Humble man for being one of the most important people in film history. At 90 still incredibly articulate. Amazing person.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

As a retired Marine Band arranger, I've met him, and yes...he a most gracious gentleman. May he live forever.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

And he's always been this way and never changed. There are no words for how I feel about this man and what he has given to my life.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

@@LyleFrancisDelp Hear, hear!

[@mattkirkhamm]

@@tulinfirenze1990 if there were more people like John Williams the world would be a more beautiful place

[@minder01]

Williams shrugs off vanity like no one else. Every interviewer praises him like a godly man, for obvious reasons, and he'll refuse the compliments no matter how kind. He ought to be the definition of integrity.

[@JoelEverettComposer]

Amen, not only is he extremely beyond talented; his humbleness and genuine warmth is such an example for all professions and just being a decent human being in general.

[@rickdeckardbladerunner2049]

A high mark we should all shoot for indeed.

[@d3l_nev]

"Is my job the hardest in the world? I don't know, I've never laid bricks" Man, not only he's a great musician, he's a wonderful person.

[@jp3813]

He was 45-years-old when he scored the very first Star Wars film. Now in his 90s, still has goals such as wanting to score a Bond film.

[@alwizardus]

This man enriched my childhood ...he must live forever.

[@Winduct]

His music will for him.

[@albertpeterson5585]

...he will, through all the music he's composed and conducted.

[@kevinprzy4539]

he will live forever through his music look at bach, mozart and beethoven

[@Peterx648]

@@kevinprzy4539 But who will replace him as a person? Nobody does such a great and honest music like him.

[@CosmicTeapot]

@@Peterx648Why should you expect a replacement? John Williams is one of a kind, of course, as is every other composer. Trying to be someone else is the best way to fail as an artist. There are plenty of other brilliant and humble film composers out there who have been carrying the torch each in their own style. Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, John Powell, Ramin Djawadi to name a few.

[@kathleen7849]

It might sound selfish, but he brings so much joy with his music, you want him to live forever.

[@madworker1927]

How does that sound selfish? Please explain!

[@esra_erimez]

Agreed

[@tbass94]

@@madworker1927because living forever would be torture

[@MrZAP17]

@@tbass94 That's certainly one perspective. If you continue to be happy there's no reason to not want to continue living. I hope John is happy doing whatever he does and I hope he keeps living.

[@kathleen7849]

@@madworker1927 Because I'm sure he may want to go rest one day :)

[@jonoeschger1552]

His contributions to cinema and pop culture is immeasurable.

[@muttleycrew]

Greatest film score composer to have lived. Bernard Herrmann, Henry Mancini, James Horner, Hans Zimmer all greats. All superb. John Williams is a genius though and he's the best of the best.

[@MrRbjunior83]

Absolutely agree ❤

[@MaestroStefanoPetrini]

󠀡󠀡

[@diogof1978]

Don't forget Jerry Goldsmith!

[@JordanWeberMusic]

And to think, he has said that he prefers to write more jazzy styles like Tin-Tin’s score, coming from his piano days and time with the Boston Pops. For it not to be his main area of writing boggles my mind even more!

[@albdeno]

Don't forget Ennio Morricone he is to big to be left out, and agree John Williams is one of the best.

[@Max-px5ym]

2:48 "film composing is only 90 years old, it's very young" -John Williams, 90

[@Migzter05]

John Williams is one of those few people in the movie industry that I wish would live forever. I cannot think of a world where I cannot hear another brand new great musical score made by him. He always delivers!

[@aryastark772]

Not just one of the best film composers, One of the best composers in the last 100 years for me. If he wants to write a Bond score, let him write a Bond score!

[@philliesnickcastellanos2024]

The fact that this guy is 90, still writing, still conducting and explaining music to us is incredible. May he continue to work for many more years because he is awesome

[@maulcs]

He deserves a place right amidst the greats, and I'm talking about the greatest composers of all time period, not just movie soundtracks.

[@jjphoenix4055]

If we had to choose just one person to be inmortal in this planet that chosen one should be John Williams. But not only cause of his endless genius in its craft, but because of his endless humanity and humbleness. Some creeps scoring now in hollywood should learn from him, not just music but of how to be a better person.

[@mydogskips2]

I hate to ask, but can you name some of those you are referring to?

[@sidneythekidney12]

John's one of the most important creators in film history. His work is etched into all of our minds. Consciously and even subconsciously. Brilliant talent.

[@esra_erimez]

John's one of the most important creators in music history

[@mattbod]

John Williams shows that if you are really gifted you don’t need to shout about it. He is undoubtedly a genius but also has genuine humility.

[@twoot63]

Yes he does and he is not looking or coming off as 90! He is in his full strength and STILL working and sounding wonderful! What an example of a blessed life!

[@austinhernandez2716]

"I've never laid bricks" Very humble man, lots of respect

[@RichardAmesMusic]

Here's the best way I can describe the impact of Williams' music: his themes were the soundtrack to my childhood. When I had my own children thirty years later, his themes were also the soundtrack of their childhood, including many of the same themes.

[@clearbrookprogram5924]

What a true gentleman. I am an orchestra teacher at a high school and enjoyed picking some ideas from this interview. Particularly, when he said "the softer we played it, the scarier it seemed to be" regarding the Jaws theme 5:39

[@Fetrovsky]

Also amazing is that at 90, with 3/4 of a century of writing music, he is _still_ not a has-been. He's still very much in the trenches, fighting and producing wonderful new scores.

[@Jwellsuhhuh]

trenches?

[@rajatgupta9043]

@@Jwellsuhhuh sort of a long hollow cut/hole in the ground made during the war where soldiers hide as they prepare far a charge.

[@rajatgupta9043]

He has just been nominated for an oscar this year only.

[@axelvetter]

John Williams conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker in 2021. Released in 2022 "The Berlin Concert" went to the top of the German album charts. This recording also bagged the title of the best selling classical music album of 2022 here. At no. 5 was "John Williams in Vienna", at no. 19 "Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes" 👏

[@sash9249]

No film composer has crafted as many iconic classic scores and created a legacy that stands the test of time like John's work. A Master and a Legend.

[@samuelbarber6177]

It’s impossible for me to pick a favourite of his. I’ll think “Star Wars” but then my mind goes to Jaws, Superman, Harry Potter, Schindler’s List, even JFK. He has the most Oscar Nominations of any living person, and the second most overall just behind Walt Disney.

[@stevenesq]

90 years old and still working the magic , i salute you sir john .

[@akawojo]

oh, he's such a sweet, old master of his craft! I saw him conducting the Vienna Philharmonics in 2022, he was standing less than two meters away from me, I will never forget.

[@adeeo]

I did not get the info, he would be there... Missed it...

[@jenniferyard4279]

We would love you to compose a Bond score too!

[@GratDuForloradeArgumentet]

Not with what Bond has turned into. All films after Casino Royal have been a complete catastrophe.

[@madworker1927]

@John Williams yo fake john williams are you Johns grandson or something?

[@AlbertKimMusic]

@@GratDuForloradeArgumentet Yup, hate it. We need a new Spy protagonist completely, with an ost in the style of Metal gear solid 3's: Snake Eater

[@Scalaflow]

The question whether he’d ever score a Bond film was not even asked in this video

[@richardkilroy3248]

The end credit theme to 'The Poseidon Adventure' is brilliant and under-appreciated. It presages so much of Williams's brilliance to come. It's his first blockbuster score.

[@RenePeraza]

Hear, hear! I just purchased the limited edition of his Disaster Collection which includes The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno and Earthquake, which I first really heard him through and find great.

[@michelecorbeil5449]

"my little score"....brilliant and humble too! My goodness, his genius is something to behold.

[@poomanjones4853]

When he passes we will have so many ways to remember his legacy

[@yapyap66]

A bottomless pit of brilliance.. . . Absolutely love the Lost in Space themes

[@TheHyena-ru8bz]

I purchased tickets to see him conduct this year. I'm so excited. The legend who wrote music for Star Wars, Jaws, Harry Potter, and so much more.

[@yapyap66]

Not forgetting Lost in Space in the 1960s What a incredibly awesome menacing piece of music

[@aob505]

You can just tell how emotional the orchestra gets when playing his music. John Williams is a legend.

[@MarkWilson-rn8tx]

In the early 1980's myself and some friends were swimming at low tide and I started doing the da dum da dum song from jaws! They all screamed at me to shut up!!! There wasn't an orchestra! But they all knew what I was referencing! Powerful real and emotional! Just two notes!!!!! That's John Williams 😊.

[@celesteburley4035]

Music is like oxygen to musicians!!❤

[@johnnyguitar2929]

John Williams exemplifies that rare person whose brilliance is matched by his humbleness.

[@fabricesanchez9000]

Let’s hurry up and have a new James Bond movie and give to this man the soundtrack

[@tinay9491]

Adore your work Mr. Williams-always dreamt of experiencing movie score recording. Thank you

[@mentalmelt]

He's a musical genius who has enriched the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and who probably will continue to do so for centuries to come. This guy is too humble.

[@mononoke721]

John Williams on his compositions for Star Wars - "I did the best I could." He then goes on to praise the late Maurice Murphy, the principle trumpeter in the original score, for his invaluable contribution to the classic opening main titles. Here is a man who is humble beyond his years! He cannot countenance his own inclusion in the great names of classical music because of this deep humility, but rest assured, in hundreds of years, the name and music of John Williams will still be ranked alongside them!

[@kjw79]

I think that is a joy to him, having the best of the best bringing his musical ideas alive to a new level. Any composer’s score is limited or magnified by those who perform it, and his partnership with LSO was something special in that regard.

[@mirjanavidovic4697]

What a grand person and artist! Unmatched in his time

[@thJune-ze7dn]

What a delightful interview, I'm so glad I stumbled across this, it made my day.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Me too.

[@chrispypats]

A LIVING TREASURE!

[@joycegibbs5267]

I'm OVER THE MOON, Mr Williams is finally going to get his honourary knighthood. I'm not sure if it was up to our beloved Queen to grant it, but those two are my greatest heroes & I'm so glad she may have. I've written to politicians to get this man a knighthood for a few years and finally he gets one. I'm just scared we'll lose him soon too !!

[@stxa2594]

A most remarkable human being. So humble after all his tremendous success and out-of-this-world accomplishments for more than five decades by now (e.g., more than 50 Academy Award nominations). And such an impressive personality, and still that active in his field at age 90. Wishing him all the best! ❤

[@hugostiglitz1109]

Simply, thank you so so so much, Mr. John Williams.

[@bruhdoe2984]

At his age to be able to speak with such sharpness is amazing. The brain of a musician is something else man

[@c3dmf4s]

What a gifted and humble person. So greatful he lives in our time.

[@deckofcards87]

He and Spielberg had wanted to make a 007 movie for decades. It would've been interesting, I'm sure. Williams' approach to the music would be undoubtedly great.

[@boomieboo]

It's like talking to Beethoven or Mozart. What a privilege to be alive at the same time as this living legend.

[@SimonLeicester]

Even from his early work on TV’s Lost In Space, his music stands out. What a talent and what a contribution he has made to cinema and our lives.

[@evertonporter7887]

As a child growing up, William's music made you believe you could be with the Robinsons in space and walk among giants.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Truly the greatest film composer ever. Sure, there are many films I barely remember but he has made so many memorable, beautiful scores that elevates everything

[@ktoth29]

Seems like a very humble guy given all his accomplishments

[@GratDuForloradeArgumentet]

Not only is he such a great composer. He is such a humble, greatful man. Big respect.

[@jslasher1]

A very forthright interview. On the few occasions that I was in the company of John T Williams I always found him to be a very humble man.

[@stiv147mccluskey3]

What an incredible, modest and articulate man. Greatest composer ever

[@JPF941]

A gentle man of incredible talent and grace. I hope he truly knows how much joy and emotion his music has given to Billions of people. Thank you Mr Williams.

[@AlbertKimMusic]

His words are incredible, so much wisdom, so much authenticity

[@keatonsmith5669]

Jurassic Park is my all-time favorite movie. During my childhood, I'd watch it over and over again. Just hearing the sample of the main theme made me choke up a little.

[@robgagnon9058]

Listen to the way he speaks. So articulate. 91 years old and still sharp as ever. This man is simply brilliant.

[@J1283-s1k]

John Barry to John Williams. Legend to living Legend. If anyone can do it, it's Williams. Arguable GOAT of modern film composition. Also, love the host, Andrew's enthusiasm and respect, which makes sense given his love of music.

[@homiefromfl]

What an absolute LEGEND of a man, and still maintains the utmost humility and dignity. I wish I'd have the honor to meet him, and gush over the greatness of his work. Amazing.

[@SkinnyPanda-oh1sd]

This man is my absolute favorite composer. He’s humble, kind, and brilliant. It’d be a dream come true to attend one of his concerts.

[@hunterolsen7164]

Dude looks and sounds so fantastic for 90.

[@obiwan-]

I'm attending one of his concerts in Milan soon and I am so excited, this man is an absolute legend

[@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584]

Enjoy!!! I wish I was there!!! His music is just simply amazing.. soundtrack to my life

[@obiwan-]

@@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584 It was the most beautiful and unique experienced I've ever had!! Williams looked so happy and satisfied with the orchestra's performance, I had goosebumps the whole performance, especially during Star Wars song and Hedwig's theme, asbolutely amazing!

[@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584]

@@obiwan- Wow!! Awesome!! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I see he performed the classics!! Did he perform any songs from Superman?

[@obiwan-]

@@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584 Oh yes!! 'Love's theme' and 'March', both incredible, especially the iconic Superman march that literally everybody knows the sound of.

[@abdul-khaaliqmuhammad2584]

@@obiwan- now I’m extremely jealous 😂😂😂..he performed the love theme..that’s excellent!!

[@JuicyTaz201]

To still have that spark for his age is quite extraordinary.

[@LuisSandoval1138]

This is not an interview, its a film music masterclass.

[@PranavRajagopal]

What an absolute legend. I mainly grew up with Hans Zimmer but love John William's music as well. Amazing! 🎵 🎶

[@dianalee3059]

Mr. John Williams, dearly beloved family friend, the happiest of birthdays and another one has passed, your 91st. At the Hollywood Bowl concert last September you mentioned feeling the love and hoping you’d live to be 100. I second that! I’ve been blessed to know you since you were “Johnny” and, in my many decades career as a studio singer, I was privileged to work with you on several occasions. I even have a claim to fame that you accompanied me on piano when I sang at a fund raising dinner for the school my brothers and your boys attended and I corrected a chord you were playing wrong! LOL imagine that! Thank you for every brilliant note that has nourished my soul for years and years. Live long and prosper! 🖖

[@krisinpa8302]

Those 2 notes in Jaws, fantastic!! Love hearing the audience cheering to the Imperial March and seeing John William's response! I've only seen bits and pieces of Bond flicks through the years but I'd purchase a ticket and watch the entire movie if it was a John Williams score! This was wonderful, thank you!

[@markvandenberg4606]

What a gem of a person, on multiple levels.

[@maryvallas772]

I ask you.... Where would our generation (X) even be without John Williams? He has scored all of the greatest films of our entire lives! Or is it that they were the greatest films BECAUSE he scored them? I love that he doesn't quite realize how high in esteem we hold him! Asking what his "little scores" are compared to Bach, as if we don't consider him an equal! All I can say is.... Thank you! Thank you, John Williams, for the 6 decades of memories forged indelibly in my brain by your amazing talent! I love you!

[@Overxpossed]

Wow... John Williams with 90 years old having such a great health! Wonderful!!!

[@jamesandrus3198]

Dear mr. John Williams I want to personally thank you for hanging around!!

[@danielosetromera2090]

The word "legend" was invented for this man.

[@whatchrisdoinmusic]

This man is a blessing to have and hear. His genuine kind words are just as great as his music.

[@MrCraiglicious]

I think most of my memories of watching movies has been down to this man,absolute master at what he does!

[@sailingsam3815]

What a time to be alive to hear the works of Mr. John Williams.

[@jimhults4916]

I saw John Williams retiring for film scoring after Jurassic Park and Schindler's List thid year but I can't let him die here and 1993. He still alive.

[@chiefscheider]

I was somewhat intelligent before reading that comment.

[@TerryYoung-nb3hv]

Lovely man, genius composer, icon of music, and an aspiration to us all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, John Williams.

[@inthedesert2008]

A 90 year old that can be so amazing? incredible.clearly music is great for your brain!

[@stewartmoore5158]

I can't wrap my head around how humble he is. I'd be a raving ego maniac if I'd written just one of his memorable themes, let alone a life time of incredible music.

[@shelbyvillerules9962]

If I was Barbara Broccoli I’d be straight on the phone to him asking him to come up with a score, even though the next Bond movie probably won’t even start shooting till a few years time… but it’s John Williams (and he’s 90) so whatever he gives you just make it fit.

[@josephg41]

Very humble man, the music world and the movie world wouldn't be the same without him. Some of my favorites of his are the lesser known pieces, such as "The Patriot" soundtrack, a very moving track. Also Saving Private Ryan and "Across the Stars" from Star Wars. (The most moving track in the Star Wars trilogy to me.)I could list dozens, but the point is, the man's a legend. We gotta appreciate him while he's around still.

[@alichamas63]

Williams is our generations Tchaikovsky, a real musical legend in our time.

[@MrBuckoP]

This is awesome! I hope you can do another interview with John Williams. Part 2, 3, 4, etc. There is so much music by him. Glad you talked about the Superman Theme. One of my favorites.

[@kthx1138]

The Jaws theme is brilliant because it's more of a heartbeat, an impulse, a signal, than music. When you hear that thump thump, it resembles your own heartbeat and it gets your heart racing!

[@RebeccaLarson-v7n]

I love this man. We are all very lucky to have heard his compositions. ICONIC films. Does not look nor sound his age.

[@samuelbarber6177]

Definitely the greatest film composer of all time. No question. Most great get a couple famous themes, this guy puts them all to shame, he has the most Oscar Nominations of any living person.

[@RightCenterBack321]

I hope to live to at least 90 and that I'm like John Williams at 90.

[@stephencameron8118]

I wish we could call you Sir John. You have had a broader impact that the original Sir John Williams. Thank-you for your gift! you are the Mozart of our age!!! You're right about Mr Murphy; that first chord is a moment in my life! You are a colossal genius!!!

[@Qboro66]

I'm so glad Maestro Williams mentioned the principal trumpet player of the London Symphony Orchestra Maurice Harrison Murphy... IMO the voice of the original three Star Wars, Superman, The Movie and Raiders of the Lost Ark with his easily recognizable sound...

[@chrzoc]

The music this man has composed endures so far beyond simply the films they where created for. Legend.

[@rollicker3139]

Still incredibly sharp minded at age 90. A true legend of his field. Thanks John for all the great music.

[@ivo4357]

he always downplays his own accomplishments, but the example he gave (young children not reacting to Berlioz etc. but coming alive when hearing Superman) should convince him he is more than "just a little film composer". He is the Mozart of our times, as important as Mozart was in his time. To me he's the ultimate musical genius, the reason I got interested in soundtracks and classical music.

[@hillehai]

I personally hold him in such high regard, which makes it so incredible to hear him downplay his own amazing music in this way. He is unbelieveably humble.

[@businessensemble]

Agreed.

[@nickfilms8828]

Currently watching while I wait to get in the front of the queue of a John Williams concert wish me luck everyone

[@rhythm.lounge]

A class act and musical genius. His music has created magical memories for so many generations and will continue to do so 🎶

[@RayDawg007]

Much respect to this man’s humility 👏🏼

[@jediguy3706]

What a singularly amazing human being. So gifted, yet so humble and kind. I'm not musically inclined in the slightest, but speaking as a mere consumer of this man's work, he's absolutely one of my heroes. I could listen to him speak for hours and hours, honestly. I'm lucky to have been able to watch him conduct a symphony orchestra I think...twice? Maybe three times, over the years. To be in the same space as him is a spellbinding experience.