The fictional MI6 agent James Bond was created in 1953 by British writer Ian Fleming. He first appeared in the novel “Casino Royale” and is generally referred to by his code number 007. Around a dozen other novels followed and were later adapted for comic strips, television and, of course, movies. The character has been played by iconic actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and Sean Connery.
The Bond films have found the recipe for success - a seductive and fearless secret agent on a mission to save the world from evil organisations and villains. Each Bond film also features a “Bond girl” who is in love with the eternal bachelor.
Aside from incredible actors and high suspense plots, the key ingredient to any James Bond movie is the soundtrack. There are several pieces that are used in every, or almost every, film. For example, the ‘James Bond Theme’ was written by Monty Norman and has appeared in every Bond movie since 1962. The ‘007 Theme’ is a different piece written by John Barry for the 1963 Bond film, From Russia with Love - it has featured intermittently in Bond films since then, as a secondary theme.
A famous singer or group is usually chosen to write and perform a song for each new movie. This has led to an incredible collection of hits, from Live and Let Die (1973) by Paul McCartney, to Skyfall (2012) by Adele and No Time to Die (2020) by Billie Eilish. Perform this glorious James Bond sheet music with Tomplay!