"James Bond" Theme Composer Monty Norman Dies at 94

British composer Monty Norman, best known for the instantly recognizable James Bond theme music, died at the age of 94.

“It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.” A statement on his website read on Monday.

Norman created his most famous work as part of the score for the first Bond movie, "Dr. No", which was released in 1962 and starred Sean Connery in the titular role.

Norman said he based the distinctive rolling phrase, which first appeared as part of a medley during the movie's opening, on an earlier piece called "Good Sign, Bad Sign", which he created for a musical adaptation of VS Naipaul's "A House for Mr Biswas".

A jazz arrangement by John Barry for the movie led to Barry often being mistakenly identified as the composer; Norman went to court, winning action for libel against the Sunday Times in 2001, to defend his credit.

Norman, whose real name was Monty Noserovitch, was born in 1928 and grew up the son of Jewish immigrants in London’s East End.

He became a singer for numerous popular big bands in the 1950s and early 60s, then moved into writing songs for musicals in the late 50s, contributing lyrics on "Make Me an Offer", and both music and lyrics to Wolf Mankowitz’s "Expresso Bongo".

In 1961, the acclaimed composer also worked on the musical "Belle"  about the notorious Crippen murders, which led to his being asked by Bond producer “Cubby” Broccoli to supply the score for "Dr. No".

He is also known for the 1979 musical "Songbook" as well as his screen work on the Bob Hope comedy "Call Me Bwana" and the 1976 TV series "Dickens of London".

Norman was the first husband of actress Diana Coupland, best known for the 70s sitcom "Bless This House", who died in 2006.