Stars pay tribute as 007 composer John Barry dies, aged 77

Composer John Barry, who arranged the James Bond film themes, has died aged 77.

Barry, originally from York, wrote music for films including The Ipcress File, Zulu and Midnight Cowboy but is best known for his long association with the 007 films.

A statement released by his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on 30 January 2011 in New York. Mr Barry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laurie, and his four children and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be strictly private."

Barry's arrangement of Monty Norman's James Bond theme made his name and he wrote songs for many of the films. He won five Oscars and was nominated twice more - but never for his work on Bond.

Barry's style influenced stars including Robbie Williams whose 1998 No 1 hit Millennium was inspired by the theme to You Only Live Twice.

Singer and actor Michael Crawford paid tribute to a man he said "wrote some of the most memorable and beautiful film scores we could ever wish to hear".

Fellow composer David Arnold, who took over Bond music duties from Barry, said he had "a heavy heart".

He told fans on Twitter: "I am profoundly saddened by the news but profoundly thankful for everything he did for music and for me personally."

Actor Simon Pegg was among those who paid tribute to the composer this morning.

The Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz star wrote on Twitter: "The composer of so many classic film scores from Midnight Cowboy to Dances With Wolves and of course all those Bonds. RIP John Barry OBE."

He wrote: "Happy to have seen him conduct at the Albert Hall. Great loss."

TV presenter and classically-trained pianist Myleene Klass wrote: "Terribly sad. The world has lost a genius of a man. John Barry. RIP."

Stephen Fry wrote on Twitter: "John Barry has died. How sad. One of the greats and a real mensch. RIP."