Arguably the most important popular British composer of the 20th century, John Barry (1933-2011) enjoyed a career that spanned over fifty years, in which time he won five Academy Awards for pictures includingBorn Free, Out of Africa and Dances with Wolves. His reputation was further gilded by his soundtracks for a dozen James Bond films between 1962 and 1987. Barry's career reflects the evolution of post-war British music from big band to rock and roll and the birth of pop. In the cultural foment of 'Swinging Sixties' London he became an iconic figure and an inspiration to countless musicians. Written with Barry's cooperation and including insights from close friends, Eddi Fiegel's John Barry: A Sixties Theme celebrates a life of stunning creativity , recreates an unforgettable era in British culture, and reveals how John Barry came to write his music and why.