John Williams

John Williams is one of the greatest movie music composers of all time. He was born in New York in 1932. If you have heard the music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, or Indiana Jones, you have heard John Williams. His music makes movies more exciting, scary, and magical. He has won five Academy Awards and been nominated more than 50 times. Almost everyone in the world has heard his music.

Movie Magic

John Williams writes music that makes movie scenes unforgettable. The Star Wars theme makes you feel like you are flying through space. The Jaws theme with its two simple notes makes your heart pound with fear. The Harry Potter theme sounds like pure magic. Williams writes for a full orchestra, using every instrument to create the perfect mood. Directors like Steven Spielberg have worked with him for over 50 years.

A Living Legend

Williams has written music for more than 100 movies. He also composed the music for the Olympic Games. He conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra for many years. His music is played by orchestras all over the world. Many people who do not usually listen to classical music know and love his tunes. John Williams has shown that movie music can be just as powerful and beautiful as any other kind of music.

Fun Facts

• John Williams has been nominated for over 50 Academy Awards, more than almost anyone in history.
• The Jaws theme is just two notes repeated over and over, but it is one of the scariest pieces of music ever written.
• Williams and director Steven Spielberg have worked together on almost every Spielberg movie since 1974.

Did You Know?

When Steven Spielberg first heard the two-note Jaws theme, he laughed because he thought John Williams was joking, but it became one of the most famous movie themes ever!