In Memoriam of Goldfinger lyricist Leslie Bricusse (1931-2021)
By: Mark Cerulli
Published:
2021-10-19
The joy of having a (great) new James Bond film in theaters is unfortunately tempered with the sad news that legendary songwriter Leslie Bricusse has passed at age 90.
Leslie's son,
Adam Bricusse, originally revealed the sad news of his father's passing on
Instagram:
A major force in the music publishing world for decades,
Leslie Bricusse penned classic songs like “Candyman” from Willy Wonka and “Talk to the Animals” from Doctor Doolittle. Bond fans know and revere his lyrical work from the iconic theme songs for 1964's
Goldfinger (co-written with
Anthony Newley) and 1967's
You Only Live Twice (co-written with
John Barry).
His close friend
Dame Joan Collins wrote, “One of the giant songwriters of our time, writer of Candyman, Goldfinger, amongst so many other hits and my great friend, Leslie Bricusse, has sadly died today… he and his beautiful (wife) Evie have been in my life for over fifty years. I will miss him terribly.”
Bricusse won two Oscars for his 1968 hit “Talk to the Animals” and 1983’s Victor/Victoria (which he shared with Henry Mancini). Other films he contributed his literary talents to included
Stop the World - I Want to Get Off,
Goodbye Mr. Chips,
Two For the Road and a number of hit plays on both sides of the Atlantic.
From Sweden With Love sends our deepest condolences to his family, son Adam and wife
Yvonne Romain.
Yvonne Romain and Leslie Bricusse with FSWL contributor Brian Smith at Pinewood Studios. Photo courtsey of Brian Smith. All rights reserved.
Articles in the press about Leslie Bricusse's passing:
>BBC News (19-10-2021)
>Daily Mail (19-10-2021)
>The Guardian (19-10-2021)
>Variety (19-10-2021)
>Washington Post (19-10-2021)
Original text by Mark Cerulli. Copyright © 2021 From Sweden with Love. All rights reserved.
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