– Entertainment News | \’The Avengers\’ Composer Laurie Johnson Dies at 96
1. Avengers composer Laurie Johnson
2. Laurie Johnson dies at 96.
British Composer Laurie Johnson, Famous for ‘The Avengers’ Theme, Dies at 96
Los Angeles [US], January 25 – British composer Laurie Johnson, renowned for his iconic theme for ‘The Avengers’, has passed away at the age of 96, according to a family statement. He peacefully passed away in his sleep on Tuesday in North London.
Laurie Johnson was one of the last prominent English film composers active in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. His contributions to the film industry included scoring ‘Dr. Strangelove’ for Stanley Kubrick, as well as ‘Tiger Bay’, ‘First Men in the Moon’, and ‘Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter’ in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
However, it was his music for ‘The Avengers’ that brought him star status. The theme, which became one of the most famous spy show hallmarks of the 1960s, accompanied the adventures of troubleshooters John Steed and Emma Peel, played by Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg. Johnson joined the British-made series in its fourth season and remained with the show even after Rigg’s departure and the introduction of Linda Thorson as Tara King in the sixth season.
Johnson’s work on ‘The Avengers’ was an extraordinary feat, with up to 30 minutes of music recorded and synchronized each week. Throughout the series, he composed over 50 hours of music, describing it as an unheard-of extravagance.
In 1976, when the production team released ‘The New Avengers’, Johnson created a whole new piece for the series while incorporating the opening bars of the original ‘Avengers’ theme. His music for various British television shows, including ‘Top Secret’, ‘Shirley’s World’, and ‘The Professionals’, also earned him recognition.
Born on February 7, 1927, in Hampstead, England, Laurie Johnson attended the Royal College of Music and served in the Coldstream Guards for four years. He made significant contributions to the British music industry in the 1950s and became a noted big-band arranger. His compositions were not limited to film and television, as some of his work could be heard in popular cartoons such as “Ren and Stimpy” and “SpongeBob SquarePants”.
The family statement released after his passing expressed the impact Laurie’s music had on millions of people around the world. His compositions, themes, and soundtracks graced various mediums, including film, TV, theatre, and radio. Laurie was remembered as an extraordinary individual who embraced life with passion and brought joy to many. His kindness, compassion, and infectious sense of fun and laughter will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Laurie Johnson is survived by his wife Dot, a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
In conclusion, British composer Laurie Johnson, known for his memorable theme for ‘The Avengers’, has passed away at the age of 96. Throughout his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to the film and television industry, leaving behind a legacy of iconic scores, themes, and soundtracks. His music touched the lives of millions, and he will be deeply missed..
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