The story of Monty Norman's creation of the James Bond Theme.

[@sophiehaynes1993]

I am so proud to say that Monty Norman was my grandad and I know what an incredibly talented man he was to create one of the most recognisable pieces of music to ever make it onto the film scene. I feel sorry for those who doubt him in the comments simply because they had never heard of him. I love you grandpa and your legacy will live on forever ❤

[@arquimedesrivero]

Congratulations!! He really composed one of the most famous songs of all times. Thank you!! 🙏🏻

[@LA-dh7ti]

Well you can be proud, he was quite a man, and we in the industry do not intend to leave that music on the side. Best Regards from France L-A

[@Scripture-Man]

Both men deserve credit. Mr Norman created the basic tune, and Mr Barry made it more dramatic and exciting and fleshed it out. The tune we know and love wouldn't exist without both men, so they both deserve credit. Though as a composer myself, I feel the arrangement and production carries more weight, and I can totally understand why John Barry felt short-changed!

[@SouloftheTroll]

Barry got robbed in the court. There are tunes and recordings by John Barry which carry the three half-step rise and fall signature of Barry often used years before Dr. No. Clearly the magistrates had tin ears. Monty's riff on the guitar is all he actually offered, harmonic textures and counterpoint with high brass accentuations were all Barry, along with the many wonderful signature songs of the Bond series: like Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, or You Only Live Twice, etc, all classic and unmistakably John Barry.

[@orgrg1525]

@@SouloftheTroll Video suggests the 3 step rise and fall was Norman's to me, he just sped it up for the beginning. I feel it's more like 50/50, but sounds like Barry tried to claim it all as his.

[@SouloftheTroll]

Yup

[@user-ki9hq5yf5s]

Barry got robbed indeed; that piano tune is cute but it’s no James Bond.

[@Vasarnikos]

Artie Shaw also deserves credit for his song "Nightmare." It was used as a base for the James Bond theme from both Norman and Barry!

[@dannybenair]

Listen to John Barry's Beat Girl Theme, two years earlier. Has the Bond vibe, and we know who had an amazing career with Bond music.

[@1970lancaster]

Very interesting documentary, thank u very much

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

RIP Monty Norman.

[@mud2294]

It's so surreal that, when you go and listen to the "original" piece you recognize it as the Bond Theme first. What a thing!

[@buddy1935star]

Monty Norman died today 07/11/2022. Cheers to his theme song.

[@TNO73]

The picture at the beginning of "Cubby" Broccoli is actually Harry Saltzman

[@brycekirk5529]

I rolled my eyes when I saw that. I mean if your a James Bond aficionado and fan, you should know that's Harry Saltzman that they showed. Not Cubby Broccoli as they mentioned.

[@ottobentley258]

Pro trick: you can watch series at InstaFlixxer. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies these days.

[@terranceharper6193]

@Otto Bentley definitely, been using instaflixxer for years myself =)

[@puttamma2001]

0

[@bpvra]

A basic question. Did anyone ever ask Norman directly what parts of the James theme in its entirety as we know it that he actually wrote? Was this question asked in court? If not then why not? My guess is that Norman wrote the opening bit played by the guitar and Barry wrote all the rest.

[@ChrisHewittMedia]

Yes correct. The court case was a sham and transcription is still online somewhere. Barry took Monty's limited riff and composed every other aspect of the theme. He then singlehandedly created the entire Bond sound. Even after Dr No, the opening guitar riff almost becomes irrelevant given Barry's numerous other Bond motifs, and themes. During the court case Barry was too ill at the time to defend himself and no disrespect to Norman but Barry sonically carried all those Bond films and it is his style other Bond composers were all to happy to imitate.

[@ChrisHewittMedia]

From Barry's biography (Midas Touch): The producers were not happy with Norman's theme. Vic Flick (original session guitarist) - "Producer Broccoli liked the first few bars but didn't like it's development, which explains why it was handed over to Barry for emergency 'rearranging'. The original Norman riff was scored an octave higher. I suggested to John that it would sound more ominous an octave lower. We tried it and it turned out very effective."

[@necolekey]

Very smart. Norman wrote none of it but took credit of all of it when he stole the score for an Jamaican composer on the island the film was made, the original composer is Carlos Malcolm

[@denzowillis2590]

RIP Monty Norman !

[@ianrogerburton1670]

At the time that the Bond movies first came out on t.v. in 1976 I was a teenager. As a big fan of Dickens, I was then also watching "Dickens of London", for which Monty Norman had composed a beautifully enchanting soundtrack with songs. I was surprised when I heard that he had also composed the James Bond theme and even more surprised when I became a Bond fan myself.

[@rahulingle8806]

What a story!!!As an Indian , love to see Indian connection in James Bond movie.

[@jays2181]

An Indian connection thought and created ONLY by An Englishman!

[@rahulingle8806]

@@jays2181 Thanks for amendment .

[@SteveNelsonBrigade]

@@jays2181 Hahahaha, I'm sure that the late V.S. Naipaul would be thrilled to hear himself referred to as an "Englishman," but of course he was also of Indian ancestry -- and born in Trinidad.

[@romainsavioz5466]

@@SteveNelsonBrigade he was probably speaking about norman

[@jcdenton4281]

Tell me anything that came from West without stealing

[@DasanjaliMusic]

Your music will always remain etched in every Bond fan's heart, Mr. Monty Norman. May you attain eternal peace 🙏.

[@Potomacstud]

This man gave Bond movies a success , very underrated

[@johnburns4017]

Norman, Barry and Vic Flick the guitarist met in Norman's place to discuss the theme to the film. Vic say that Barry totally changed what he wanted. A court case gave it to Norman. Barry was nervous in court which went against him. He say in another court case, that he did the theme, although it was not the point of the hearing.

[@kristineberryessa3457]

Thank you Monty Norman For your wonderful composition and sharing it with us for all these James Bond years! We will always remember you! Rest in peace.

[@taroman7100]

Bizarre as the origin of the tune was it was requested of Broccoli to "jazz" it up and give it more body, enter the genius Barry.

[@songsmith31a]

A person who comes up with an original tune that others can tinker with is still the "originator" and deserves the credit. Just because the likes of Conrad Salinger can turn in a haunting arrangement of a great tune like "Dancing in the Dark" (for the film "The Band Wagon") hardly entitles him to claim credit for the original melody. As a professional fellow musician, Barry should have known and accepted this. I like to think that this theme kept Mr Norman in popcorn for the remainder of his days!

[@TheDylandProductions]

It's funny, because Batman fans disagree. But I think the originator should always be credited. Covers wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the original to build off of!

[@walkabou5]

Monty Norman is a very lucky man. John Barry bailed him out of the shit when he, Norman, was unable to compose a decent theme for the movie. Agreement was Norman keeps credit and composing fees. Lucky, lucky man.

[@johnny5805]

You'd be the man who'd give give Vanilla Ice the rights to 'Under Pressure'.

[@SouloftheTroll]

True story, Monty is a very lucky man.

[@Flashplayer65]

His grandkids are even luckier

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

What a pile of stinky horseshit. Even 3 years after you vomited it onto KZbin.

[@stevenponte6655]

@@Flashplayer65 I recently read that Norman was earned about 500,000 pounds in royalties. While it is alot of money, I actually would have expected it to generate more money. about 25 movies. Every single Bond song incorporates those 3 notes into it (not sure if that is included in the royalties)

[@hallson2917]

Mr Norman- Rest in Peace

[@varelastheo]

3:07 I got chills. I love the cool but serious vibe of his riff, i wish he would play it out.

[@wyliecoyote7822]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Ssfairj918l8k

[@Peedmypantaloons]

Monte only wrote the twanging guitar part. John Barry wrote the entire rest of the song. Why would Monte get all the credit? VERY unfair to John Barry who brought the whole song to life.

[@SouloftheTroll]

Barry used his famous half-step signature on several of his tunes years before Dr. No was even a project!! Truth. If you have a musical ear, then there is no doubt who the real composer was. Monty came up with a riff, Barry came up with over a dozen scores and award winning songs over nearly 30 years!

[@edwardwilson7858]

You could say it was a collaboration. Similar to what often occurred between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Duke would lay out the chords and Strays would rewrite the piece. Most of the time Ellington got sole credit. Norman provided the basic material but it was Barry who made it into the theme heard round the world.

[@MyJ2B]

There should be proper mention of Vic Flick in this story. He created the well known guitar riff when asked to improvise a "gypsy-like" vamp. Apparently he was paid $17.00 (US dollars) at the time for the studio guitar engagement. It is not clear whether he received any royalty payments. If not - what an injustice !

[@CapitaineMinuit]

Well, he didn't actually create the riff, Norman did that, but his interpretation was genius. Maybe you like his 'Bond Street P.M.' with The Mood Mosaic (flip side of the better known 'A Touch Of Velvet A sting of Brass) from 1966. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6Xoquph5aIgM0

[@LITTLE1994]

RIP Monty Norman, the original composer of James Bond. He just passed away at age 94...

[@bobgoran]

I have been reading a lot about this subject and can tell you that NOTHING in this video is true. Norman wrote a theme that was totally rejected, but due to contractural reason they couldn't remove his name. The song "Good sign, Bad sign" was invented by Norman 30 years later to convince everyone that it was his work. No one has ever heard that song back then. The evidence that it was Barry that composed and arranged the theme is overwhelming - you just have to listen to the compositions he did back then and see that Barry borrowed stuff from his own work. As an example, just search for "John Barry Poor Me" or "John Barry beat girl" and listen. Written by Barry before Dr No.

[@bobgoran]

@@grantmalone Try to get the basic facts right, if you want to convince us that you know what you are talking about. John Barry has not taken anything to court. The trial in 2001 was between Sunday Times and Monty Norman. The song "Good Sign, Bad Sign" that Norman revealed in 2005 is obviously manufactured to sound like the Bond theme. There are elements from Barry's earlier composition in this song. It doesn't make any sense that Norman would use elements from Barry's work for his musical. The few people who have actually heard the real version of "Good Sign, Bad Sign" have said that it didn't sound anything like the Bond theme. That proves that Norman is lying. He has always been a troll. Norman has the legal right to the theme and there is no evidence available that can change that. But we know the truth. All you have to do is to listen to Normans work outside of Bond, and compare it with Barry work. They are not in the same league. If Norman had the capacity to create something like this, why didn't he do it again?

[@bobgoran]

​@@grantmalone You sound like a relative to Monty Norman... What's the point of saying things like "Listen to what Norman plays at the piano in this video"? Either he is telling the truth or he is lying. John Barry has never said that his theme is based on Norman's song. He said that it was a terrible song and that "nothing leapt off the page". So it is Barrys word against Normans word. The main point that you simply dont get is that none of us has ever heard the song "Good Sign, Bad Sign". We have only heard the pieces Norman gave us in interviews and the version he gave us 43 YEARS LATER. Norman could've easily manipulated the song to make it more similar to John Barry's Bond theme. He had 43 years to do it. This is not conspiratorial. Anything that comes from Normans (or Barrys) mouth doesn't count as evidence because they are biased. Monty Norman and the truth are not living on the same adress. Over the years, this man has claimed that it was his idea to contact the The John Barry Seven, and it was his idea to use a guitarr for the riff and so on. Things we know aren't true, with 100% certainty. Now I know that he is a dishonest person. Then I just extrapolate and pretend that everything he has ever said is a lie and suddenly it all makes sense. The reason why Norman waited 43 years to release the song is because all the people who have heard the original version are now dead. The JB theme (including melodies, chords, harmonies, tempo) can be traced to Barry's early compositions. So I am convinced that it is all Barrys work. Second in line for a credit is Vic Flick who also did some significant contributions, but that is another story. Anyway, I have said enough on the topic for this time.

[@bobgoran]

@@grantmaloneI will just correct that last quote which you have taken out of context. John Barry has always said that the guitar riff ORIGINATED from 2 bars in the song "Good Sign, Bad Sign". But he changed the key, tempo and added more notes. I dont know if you are aware of this, but "adding more notes" can have a pretty huge effect on the melody. So if Barry & Co. are telling the truth, then the original version of the song did not sound anything like the one Norman revealed in 2005.

[@bobgoran]

​@chevrolet_fishbowl What makes you think the score was written before Barry arrived? Very strange implication, and we know that is not true. Peter Hunt (the editor) liked Barry's work a lot and tried to use the Bond theme as much as possible in the film. The little Bond theme strings/horns in the soundtrack are 100% Barrys contribution. If you can hear anything in the soundtrack that is not calypso music, then it is Barry. The "Death of Dr No" theme is from Barry and he later re-used the theme in From Russia With Love during the boat chase. Monty Norman wasn't able to create compositions like this. He wasn't in that league.

[@bobgoran]

@chevrolet_fishbowl Then you should come back when you are more familiar with Barry's work. Then we can have a more reasonable discussion. To distinguish Barry's work in the Dr No soundtrack is a very easy exercise and something I recommend that you start with. To qualify yourself. And for your information, not a single tone had been recorded before Barry came in. But they had already booked the orchestra so that's why everyone was in a hurry. Barry started his work on 9 June 1962. The recording with the orchestra took place 2 weeks later.

[@DoubleOProductions]

Monty Norman just got lucky that a tiny segment of one of his tunes was re-interpreted as the bond theme... he didn't really do anything yet made a fortune from a few bars of notes.... it was Barry who was the genius...

[@Stenbrotsgatan]

I think it's very satisfying the way it is. John Barry i believe never argued too much about this. He went on to score 11 Bondfilms and all are amazing masterpieces. So the fact that the Bond theme belongs to Norman is ok in my book. It's fair. He gets royalties on a daily basis for the theme and so he should. Nothing against Monty Norman, but Barry is the one who will go down in history.

[@SouloftheTroll]

I saw an interview with John shortly before he passed away. He never complained much, but he finally mentioned how he was deeply hurt over the court ruling, and more, that Monty never shared much truth about the whole affair. John was a deeply sensitive man, and the thought of having to go to court over something that was clearly his made him deeply sad. I am sure every time the credits rolled saying "Bond Theme" by Monty Norman he felt a pang. Sad part is, the producers brought John Barry in on the project to "help" Monty out because of their concern he was simply not producing any useable music for the score, for which he was hired! Graciously, John Barry showed up, said he had other projects needing attending, but he would try to help Monty get through the shit pile he was tuck in. So instead of arranging, Barry actually ended up scoring the entire film, and included the riff Monty wanted to use from his unsuccessful Indian Musical of the year before. John assigned the riff to the electric guitar per his orchestral arrangement (note the Barry score already playing behind the guitar riff in the movies), and guitarist Vic Flick was the player. Norman, Barry and Vic Flick met in Norman's place to discuss the theme for the film. Vic says that Barry totally changed what Norman wanted and everything else was John Barry's anyway. But the tin-ear magistrates of the court case still gave it to Norman. Barry was very nervous in court, which only went against him. Sad.

[@idaslpdhr]

He hasn't even got the grace to say that John Barry did a great arrangement, Even though monty got all the royalties

[@KlausSgroi]

He did say here that Barry's arrangemente was the best and most definitive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIO6g4GbbNZsm68

[@Romans8-9]

He cant say the truth without jeopardising his royalties and undermining his authorship.

[@soumyamukherjee4810]

Lods of love and best wishes to legend Mr.Monty Norman.. Love from India

[@clmc8811]

The James Bond theme has MANY recognizable motifs. Norman wrote the first one (the guitar), but what about the rest? The interviewer should ask Norman directly: “tell me who wrote what”. In later versions of the score, Barry deleted the guitar motif completely and leave the rest, so I asume that every motif except the guitar melody were Barry's... In fact, he had already used one of them in 1960: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2i7aZpnd8Stnc0 (LISTEN AT 1: 59) I think the credits should say "Norman-Barry".

[@nigelinasia2088]

Who got back to score the next 6 films? That says it all...

[@historybuff66]

And 11 overall.

[@steveomusicman6645]

I, for one, think that the genesis of this theme came from MOnty Norman! Bravo

[@KlausSgroi]

​@enjoyment enjoyment I don't think anybody here is denying that Monty came up with the original idea for the guitar line (dum di-di dum dum). The genesis of the tune, as you say. What most claim, me included, is that his role in the making of the theme was just about that, really. John Barry not only arranged that Monty bit, but also composed the rest of the song and took it to another level. He was so talented a composer/arranger that he kept working in the franchise for 25 years.

[@KlausSgroi]

​@enjoyment enjoyment But what we are arguing is that the James Bond Theme, as we know it today, was NOT invented/created by Monty, only a small part of it. Yes, the main motif might be Monty's, but it comprises just some seconds of the whole tune (about 9 from all of the 108). Not even the famous chord progression that starts the theme (before the guitar line) is Monty's. Listen to a song John Barry co-composed in 1960 called Poor Me and surprise yourself. And what about the crescendo and subsequent explosion 40 seconds into the theme? I see no evidence that Monty came up with that. Barry, on the other hand, was already a classical and jazz composer, arranger and conductor by that time. He could've easily thought of that middle section to add excitement to the music.

[@KlausSgroi]

​@enjoyment enjoyment In my view, Monty probably won the case because there must have been some kind of agreement between him and the producers of the film, something that I can only imagine would bother Barry a lot, because the latter dedicated himself much more to the project. As I said, the main motif is only some seconds long, but all of the theme, in its entirety, is well known all over the world. From the first note progressions to the "mysterious" jazzy chord that ends the tune, ALL of it is famous. You talk as if only the guitar line was known or as if the guitar line was THE THEME itself. It's not. And your comment about Poor Me being "different" from the James Bond theme is more than obvious. Of course they are different songs, but the chord progression is the same. That means John Barry reused his own idea, that is, something he composed himself. And yes, Monty did compliment Barry's version of the theme saying it was the best and most definitive.

[@SouloftheTroll]

@@KlausSgroi You sir have a good ear and are correct. The magistrates in court were tin eared and deaf. Travesty!!!

[@vishalvisa7585]

Hereafter coming through #PuriJagannath 's musings thank you so much Puri

[@paxwallace8324]

But John Barry also wrote most of the music heard historically. He did the heavy lifting gees

[@vijaypasspureddi4887]

As Indian feeling proud...

[@gaurangdivecha3715]

3:07 Pure Magic.

[@peterfranks6243]

Norman had a bit of a medley...that's it. It was John Barry who arranged it and did basically a miracle job of it. ALL credit should have gone to Barry. To this day, I'm always saddened when I see "James Bond theme composed by Monty Norman" at the end of another Bond movie . It should have said "James Bond theme by Monty Norman and John Barry".... But Norman's making a fortune on royalties so it'll never happen

[@kevinhdirect4582]

This is ludicrous. The most memorable melody in the theme was clearly written by Monty, why would *all* writing credit be given to someone who didn't write the most memorable hook in the theme? The theme belongs to them both but without Monty's melody there is nothing for John Barry to make a "miracle job" of. It's Monty's melody, and John Barry's direction.

[@peterfranks6243]

@@kevinhdirect4582 bullshit

[@richardb6260]

@@kevinhdirect4582 And yet it was Barry who went on to score many more Bond films.

[@Romans8-9]

​@@kevinhdirect4582 Thats misleading. The Bebop sections are equally as memorable as the guitar melody which itself was also altered by Barry.

[@dixgun]

That was great. Learned much 🙏

[@stevenvaldezii7936]

RIP good sir. Amazing song and legacy.

[@AxKlein]

There is no way in hell Norman could've written the bebop section of the theme. And yet John Barry shot himself in the foot when he repeatedly claimed he wrote the entire theme, and not just a part of it, because the truth remains the James Bond Theme was a JOINT effort and should thus carry a co-composer credit for both Norman and Barry.

[@Romans8-9]

Barry takes credit for arranging the theme that everyone recognises today. I think its only fair he takes credit for it. Norman is the one that makes out like every single note in the theme came from him when its like 95% Barry´s work.

[@stxa2594]

@@Romans8-9 We'll never be able to tell. I know Barry was the far superior musician, but I also have to admit Barry didn't become too likeable in his quest for authorship which he eventually lost anyway. Norman's score for "Dr. No" was great for that specific movie, he would've never made the impact Barry had on the series. But then - so what?

[@Omnicient.]

@@stxa2594 The quest was not John's but Monty's. Most of the theme is Barry's as is that staggering arrangement; Barry took small snippets from a song Monty had previously written and was asked to incorporate it into the theme. If it was all or mostly Monty's then why was John asked to do 11 Bond scores instead?

[@stxa2594]

@@Omnicient. sorry, this is getting tiresome: A court stated that the James Bond Theme is Monty Norman's. Who are we to judge otherwise? Apart from that: there is certainly no serious debate as to who was the more prolific composer. (The score for "Dr. No" is quite a vintage thing, with its stale arrangements, "FRWL" only one year later was like a quantum leap, no doubt about that. Andf the fourty-year career of Barry's in movie history speaks for itself.) That should answer the second question. Nonetheless, in music, there are so-called one-hit wonders. Just accept it. I admit that I love Barry's music, he was one of the greatest film composers of all time. All the same, his constant claiming that he was the real author of the James Bond theme made me dislike him as a person.

[@Omnicient.]

@@stxa2594 If it's getting tiresome then stop responding; it isn't tiresome for those who continue. The outcome of a court case does not mean it is accurate and true. A court has condemned many only to learn later they were innocent. You seem to have a very literal mind.

[@ConradSpoke]

It's shameful that Norman has always claimed that John Barry merely "arranged" a Norman theme. What nonsense. Barry wrote at least 75% of the Bond theme. Most of the motifs are Barry's. If this copyright dispute had been adjudicated in the United States the credits would read: "John Barry, Monty Norman." Norman got sole credit purely due to labor law in the UK.

[@Verdelufe]

What other major theme did Monty Norman composed NOTHING. John Barry all other James Bond´s 11 films like Goldfinger and others, Magnificent Seven, Mignight Cowboy, Born Free and one of my favorites Body Heat. The man was a monster, no other will come close to him ever.

[@knivesguitarspvtchefs4890]

arrangement and composition are not the same. Mozart may have composed symphony No 40 but I can arrange it different and it still be the same core song. I don't get co composer from that.

[@AxKlein]

Sure but Norman did not compose the bebop section of the theme, which means Barry wrote a good deal of the end product.

[@aitornavarro6597]

You're a theme and film score. Two very different things.

[@Romans8-9]

@@aitornavarro6597 What´s your point? Theme song or score, the theme song is still 90% Barry´s work.

[@gregtanner5590]

First gaffe at 1:13. Showing a photo of Saltzman when talking about Broccoli.

[@Verdelufe]

What other major theme did Monty Norman composed NOTHING. John Barry all other James Bond´s 11 films like Goldfinger and others, Magnificent Seven, Mignight Cowboy, Born Free and one of my favorites Body Heat. The man was a monster, no other will come close to him ever.

[@jamesdunne1846]

Verdelufe Magnificent Seven was Elmer Bernstein. John Barry was amazing.

[@jimd385]

Verdelufe ......erm, Williams beats Barry, every time.

[@grahambird4135]

@@jimd385 I think Williams 60’s stuff is fabulous and yes he created countless memorable movie themes but he doesn’t deviate much from the Williams sound, Barry, Goldsmith, Morricone all played around with the music they composed they were very flexible, which... in my view makes these three far better composers than Williams.

[@treytatum]

@1:11 - That's Harry Saltzman, not Cubby Broccoli...

[@fletchersykes1660]

Just look at the way Connery walked into that hotel; like a prowling panther.

[@sudharsan5924]

Thank you Mr.Monty Ohm Shanthi

[@johnny5805]

People saying 'Oh give John Barry equal composer credit !' No. Monty composed it. Barry arranged it. He can't have a composer credit. Doesn't matter if you think it is 'better', he still didn't compose it.

[@SouloftheTroll]

So wait, Monty composed the score? Monty composed a riff. Barry scored the entire film, plus laid his signature half-step rise and fall Bond orchestral theme, which is under the riff Monty originally wrote for sitar in his flop Indian musical of the year before. Yes, Monty wrote a riff. He composed no score. Sad part is, the producers brought John Barry in on the project to "help" Monty out because of their concern he was simply not producing any useable music for the score, for which he was hired! Graciously, John Barry showed up, said he had other projects needing attending, but he would try to help Monty get through the sad pile he was stuck in. So instead of arranging, Barry actually ended up scoring the entire film. Monty was hired to, but did NOT.

[@brianjimmyjimjim]

@@SouloftheTroll Barry did not compose the score to DR. NO....Monty Norman did. Barry only arranged the James Bond Theme for Norman for DR. NO. Barry's first 007 score was From Russia With Love.

[@SouloftheTroll]

@@brianjimmyjimjim It is true that contractually Norman was given the screen credit as such, but per truth, Barry was hired to do the decades of 007 scores because he did just a little bit more than "arrange the guitar riff," and this is well known among the insiders in Hollywood. Think what you like.

[@brianjimmyjimjim]

@@SouloftheTroll did I say "arrange the guitar riff"? Barry arranged the entire James Bond Theme lol. But Norman scored DR NO and it was orchestrated (except for the James Bond Theme, which we will agree was arranged indeed by Barry) by Burt Rhodes and conducted by Eric Rodgers. Barry had nothing to do with those cues. 🤷

[@stxa2594]

Oops .. when they referred to Cubby Broccoli they showed the picture of Harry Saltzman.... :-/ Do these guys really know what they're talking about?

[@shafichowdhury2315]

RIP Monty Norman the composer of the 007 theme song! That theme music got me goosebumps

[@davidhyslop3376]

007 theme is from From Russia with love,Thunderball Moonraker and the little nelly battle in You only live twice its the James bond theme

[@sporkfindus4777]

There we go, the funniest thing that Chris Evans has ever said: "yes, how did the Match of the Day theme come about?" I wonder if Danny Baker quickly whipped that one up

[@qmac10]

2:11 Is that guy holding a dead stuffed cat?

[@Giovanni-c5e]

I really enjoyed Monty Norman played the piano single-handed, single-handed and have the ability to write the 007 theme. I do not doubt at all that anyone could pick up an idea or two from different sources. Just my humble opion

[@historybuff66]

The “007” theme is strictly a John Barry composition which he wrote for “From Russia With Love”.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

The tune would've been nothing with John Barry's arrangement.

[@bukiajala9980]

Porfle Popnecker you mean ‘without’

[@CJJC]

Also without him composing most of it without credit.

[@softedgesmusic]

is it just me or is the piano tuned flat by 1 semitone? He plays Em in the left hand yet it plays Ebm... maybe its a way to get a different sound from the piano..

[@wyliecoyote7822]

RIP Monty (1928-2022). We are indebted forever!

[@deliusmyth5063]

The crucial part of the melody is the Eb to D interval. It gives the initial theme its conclusion and provides the impetus for the secondary (Barry) theme. I'd love to know who came up with it. If it was Monty then fair play, John is simply adapting the material. If it was Barry's idea then he should be credited as co-composer. Edit: It occurs to me that then the credit would be Barry/Norman. "And why not?"

[@SouloftheTroll]

Barry used that half-step signature several of his tunes years before Dr. No was even a project!! Truth. If you have a musical ear, then there is no doubt who the main composer was. Monty came up with a riff, Barry came up with over a dozen scores.

[@manuel.roesler]

There are two main Features in that theme: the augmented 7th (D#) on the e-minor chord and the chromatik changes in the harmony. Seeing that charming old Mr. Norman struggling with two simple chords - and not playing any of these features - I am quite sure that Barry is the real composer. When I was a young studio composer I experienced that myself. My employer would hum six or seven notes and I had to turn it into an full orchestral score of 3'20'' But I assume it was okay for both gentlemen then and it should be for us. Just be honest.

[@deliusmyth5063]

@@manuel.roesler RIP Monty Norman.

[@TackyLuau]

Saw the story of the beginning of this song on QI. ;-)

[@buffalopatriot]

Nice tune, Monty. Unbelievably bad-ass arrangement John Barry. If only EON had had the foresight to let John Barry redo the score. Imagine a thoroughbred 'From Russia With Love' type score over 'Dr. No'.

[@stxa2594]

No way! The Jamaica feel was captured pretty well by Norman's score. I wouldn't want to exchange that for anything in the world for some ultra-professional film score...

[@paulquinn-compassrose614]

john barry should have had at least a co-composer credit

[@knivesguitarspvtchefs4890]

arrangement and composition are not the same. Mozart may have composed symphony No 40 but I can arrange it different and it still be the same core song. I don't get co composer from that.

[@AxKlein]

Sure but Norman did not compose the bebop section of the theme, which means Barry wrote a good deal of the end product.

[@Omnicient.]

@@knivesguitarspvtchefs4890 You were not working on the same project as Mozart.

[@jmasl7]

I've often heard it said that the Bond Theme is 'based on' or, more likely, influenced by some music by Stravinsky, but I've never found which. Any truth in this?

[@historybuff66]

John Barry was most influenced by Shostakovich, so there may be some crossover there.

[@imjustthegarbageman759]

This is what I love about Bond (and films in general), not the glitz and glamour and ‘have you got the right watch?’ stuff, it’s about the little historical details, the dusty old memories and recollections from times gone by. These moments are what keep the magic of movies alive for me, knowing that somewhere, in some little corner of the country there’s a guy who wrote a weird song about a bloke’s nose and that (with the help of lots of sexy brass and swing timing) became probably the most famous character theme music (along with the Indiana Jones or Superman music) of all time. Maybe wevneed to hang on to history and ditch the transitory clamour for ‘shiny baubles’.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Vick Flick on guitar!

[@arjoma]

Suppose M Norman hadn't existed and J Barry had been appointed to score Dr No. Do you really think the James Bond Theme we all know and, most important, love would have existed?

[@historybuff66]

As good or better, because it was always Barry’s intention to create a bold, propulsive theme using Mancini’s “Peter Gunn” and Nelson Riddle’s “The Untouchables” as inspiration.

[@robertlombardo8437]

The Indian version of the Bond theme was amazing! Sounds like it could be the backdrop to a mission in Mumbai or something!

[@maryamkim1281]

It is! It is set in the Caribbean, though, were plenty Indians were sent to in the 19th century.

[@edwardspencer9397]

Now India will pick this and this millions and millions will realise that the theme was inspired by India.

[@eyezonmy6]

what a Boss!!

[@thundercat_945]

This sheds some light on Indian influence...Survey says...I always thought the Bond score could have possible been a close cognate, or took inspiration from Beethoven's 5th symphony in C minor, Opera 67: 3rd movement = march? I swear, I've heard it dubbed over the Goldeneye tank scene?

[@ImMuzikmaven]

THE BALLAD of MONTY Ditties are typically light-hearted and catchy, with a well-crafted melody fun to recall, Monty composed them both witty and charming yet one time the dumbest of all Producers requested a theme for their movie, hoping a great one would come, Instead, what they got was a very dumb ditty, It sounded: dum ditty dumb dumb. Monty, (dejected) could not resurrect it But this was a BISWAS no ear could withstand Deadlines were ending, and Monty's offending dumb ditty was passed to the hand of one man: John Barry could carry the day with the flick of his VICK turning lead into gold and Monty got credit and boasted on Reddit and everywhere else as his story he told. "I'm not too proud." He shrugged to the crowd collecting and cashing tsunamis of checks "My name will live on in the annals of history Whilst Barry will grumble and then apoplex" This is the ballad of Monty's one ditty that made all the money (a quite tidy sum) Legal and binding the contract assured him his dumb ditty's one pretty sum ditty dumb dumb.

[@mystic48209]

I wonder what the entire lyrics were. In it's original biswas intended play.

[@bhuwanshah3215]

WOW JUST WOW

[@vijaythyagan6848]

Thank you Puri sir for the info.🙏🤩

[@peterfranks6243]

Sorry Monty, when I hear this tune all I think of is John Barry

[@grahambird4135]

And how much money has John Barry made for Monty!

[@walkabou5]

Quite a lot.

[@edwardwilson7858]

I think the theme playing over the credits was supposed to be the Dr No theme, for one movie only. But the producers must have realized how special it was, and when Barry's group had a hit with it, it became the "James Bond Theme". Remember, TV shows had the same theme songs every week. It was unusual for that to happen in feature films.

[@shaswatadutta4451]

Monty Norman is 85-86 in this video. He looks like he's in his sixties.

[@johnhetherington8830]

That cat isn't real

[@codeoptimizationware2803]

@John Hetherington: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXqtmJttfdx6e9k

[@soumyamukherjee4810]

Even Monty Norman could fit as James Bond in his young age

[@codeoptimizationware2803]

Very cool story! On the other hand, how is John Barry involved in the making of the infamous James Bond theme, if at all?

[@Ballistic23]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ7ZnWhjZdqoqac

[@Digmen1]

Its very interesting. I did not know about this until now. I knew that John Barry created a lot of the music for the first Bond films There is often court cases over the rigths to a song. I wonder what Mony Norman earned over his lfe time from that theme. I fail to see how going to Jamaica could inspire that sort of theme, its not very Jamaicany And Vic Flick?

[@CJTranceAddiction]

Wait, what? Who the heck is Monty Norman??? What has he done? What's on his resume??? because John Barry is HUGE! Game of Death theme is one of the greatest not to mention Dances with Wolves soundtrack.

[@cathridge]

Doesn't matter. Norman could have been some homeless dude with a guitar. It was still his melody and Barry added the sprawling arrangement. In copyright law, it's all about melody and lyrics.

[@CapitaineMinuit]

Barry was the arranger but that doesn't mean his efforts weren't as essential as they were: 'Pictures at an exhibition' by Mussorgsky (beautiful though it is as a piano piece)most likely would never have become a standard of modern classical music if Ravel hadn't arranged it for an orchestra. Thanks to the arrangement, it is instantly recognizable by almost anyone who hears it. Or do you know any other works by Mussorgsky?

[@Omnicient.]

GOD must rank as Barry's worst theme!

[@ryanstitcher3265]

Has anyone commented on the interviewer stroking the fake white cat al a Ernst Blofeld??? hahahaha

[@a2roland]

RIP Monty!... Thank You!

[@drfarhanshaikh9409]

RIP Monty Norman 🙏🏻

[@TyroneDaviesWELSHMAN]

Great story. Although a gaff by The One Show.. They showed the picture of producer Harry Saltzman saying Cubby Broccoli.. then vice versa in a wide shot..

[@linclinc5]

Norman has a nerve still claiming he wrote the Bond theme. What this Indians played wasn't anything like what Norman wrote, they did John Barry's theme

[@Fireglo]

Yes it was.

[@59771006]

Monty Norman is and always will be the composer of the James Bond Theme all John Barry did was arranged it.

[@Romans8-9]

All he did was make it the most recognized piece of film music in history. Monty Norman handed in a version of good sign and bad sign that the producers werent happy with. Barry added music that predates what norman wrote from "hit and miss" and "poor me". So yes Barry did a little more than arrange it, he added his own music to it. In summary, Norman is a talentless hack that gets all the credit for John Barry´s masterful work.

[@drinkwater319]

Douglas Roth ....John Barry composed the swing part, the coda at the end of the verses, the extended Em- B7 section, and the end arpeggio ending in the famous altered Em chord. Norman's was the guitar melody, he didn't even underpin it with the ascending semitone motif, JB added it. The theme is mostly JB,s

[@CJTranceAddiction]

I agree with you but Barry lost the case in court.

[@activemind1870]

Thought it came it came from dinah Washington cry me a river till I saw this

[@A_for_AML]

Indian connection 💓

[@rennyzero420]

I heard Alex Jones playing it in Washington DC and I thought he is right. The Greatest Show Off Earth. 👽

[@_Pike]

0:53 Q?

[@60zeller]

So basically this guy reworded an existing tune and then another guy came in and reworked that,

[@alext8828]

Very disappointing that they didn't use the original music from A House...

[@dizbang3073]

the cat seems a bit lethargic.

[@simonmcgough7336]

The bond theme,,,,,,,

[@subinkallada3778]

Rip Monty Norman u are legend ♥️

[@a_23656]

How perfectly would it fit, if the next bond would be from indian roots ... ;)

[@garychu1505]

Sorry, the story of MN seems unclear indeed!? WE need to think about WHY film music industry continued to hire Barry instead of Norman for future Bond movies?? Thanks!

[@historybuff66]

Because Monty Norman had absolutely NO CLUE how to compose dramatic underscore for spy thrillers as his amateurish efforts in Dr. No so ably demonstrate.

[@alunepps4272]

He is part Michael Bentine, Harry Enfield and Jack Black!

[@gustavotoro7938]

Just by hearing "Bad Sign, Good Sign", it is obvious that it was Norman who wrote the James Bond theme. All the other stuff are technicalities to try and give Barry the credit for what Norman created in the first place. I mean, you provide the melody, and then the arrangement of the piece becomes more important than that? Come on! No way!

[@jakefield]

John Barry could make any other song into JB music.

[@arunjoseph2399]

is anything left in india unstolen by British?

[@jimii2294]

great classic tune ... but what's with the fake white cat in the guys lap while sitting at the piano?

[@almostfm]

Bond villain Blofeld had a white cat in From Russia With Love and Thunderball.

[@jamesharrold9175]

The cat is more wooden than Pierce Brosnan