The From Russia With Love Theme

Continuing our series of James Bond theme songs, the second musical selection is “From Russia with Love” from 1963’s From Russia with Love.  While John Barry composed the soundtrack of the film, Lionel Bart and Matt Monro were responsible for the theme song.

Lionel Bart, born Lionel Begleiter on August 1, 1930, is most famous for creating the book, music, and lyrics for Oliver!

 

Early in his life Bart studied art at the Saint Martin’s School of Art.  Although he never learned to read or write music, his accomplishments in the medium were quite illustrious.  His career began writing for amateur theater and BBC radio programs.  Between 1957 and 1960, Bart won nine Ivor Novello Awards and wrote pop songs for Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele.  In 1986, Bart received a special Ivor Novello Award for his life’s achievement.

 

Alcohol, LSD, and other drug additions led to poor financial decisions and a deterioration of his health, causing diabetes and impaired liver function.  Bart fought a long battle with cancer, but died April 3, 1999,

Matt Monro was born December 1, 1930, as Terence Edward Parsons and throughout a 30-year international career was known as the Man with the Golden Voice.  Monro got his start as a vocalist with the BBC Show Band.  Following a brief rise in success, Monro began to return back to obscurity until teaming with producer George Martin in 1960, who oversaw most of his musical recordings.

 

Leading up to his Bond performance, Monro had successful hits with “Portrait of My Love,” “My Kind of Girl,” and “Softly as I Leave You.”  He released a cover version of The Beatles “Yesterday,” the most recorded song of all time, prior to even the Fab Four’s release.  However, his signature tune became the Oscar-winning title song for Born Free, another collaboration with Bond composer John Barry.  The duo went on to record two more songs from Barry’s scores.

Married twice, Monro died from liver cancer on February 7, 1985, leaving behind a widow and three children.  The retro-pop resurgence has cited Matt Monro as a strong influence, inspiring artists including Michael Bublé, Monica Mancini, and Rick Astley.