ScoreKeeper here to pay my respects to Marvin Hamlisch who passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 68. To be a successful in the film music business you have to be a veritable "swiss-army knife" composer. No matter what the requirement of the job, you can handle it: classical, jazz, pop, folk, or any combination in between.
I can think of no other composer who better fits this description than Marvin Hamlisch. He was a composer for stage and screen, a tunesmith, arranger, a prolific conductor, pianist, and he put his musical stamp on entertainment in almost every possible way conceived. As a film composer, he scored a litany of films including BANANAS (1971), THE WAY WE WERE (1973), THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977), ICE CASTLES (1978), SOPHIE'S CHOICE (1982), D.A.R.Y.L. (1985), 3 MEN AND A BABY (1987), and THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES (1996). On stage he was known for penning the music for A CHOURS LINE (1975), THE GOODBYE GIRL (1993), and THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (2002). He was the recipient of twelve Academy Award nominations earning three awards for Best Original Dramatic Score for THE WAY WE WERE (1973), Best Original Adapted Score for THE STING (1973), and Best Original Song, "The Way We Were."
Mr. Hamlisch is the first composer who I have had the privilege to interview who has passed away. I had the opportunity to talk with him several years ago about a score of his that I absolute adored...THE INFORMANT! (2009). Hamlisch's film score made my top ten list that year (#9).
These goodbyes are always hard to pen. There's a moment where you start thinking of their career and the gifts left behind and the fact that there will be nothing more from this talented individual. It's a humbling and depressing feeling but one that should be countered with celebration. The best way I know how to do that is through music!
On behalf of Ain't It Cool News, I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Hamlisch family. Thank you Marvin for all your work. You will be sorely missed.
...and thanks again for the great chat we had.
ScoreKeeper!!!
If you're on Twitter look me up...
