Bond and 'Willy Wonka' songwriter Leslie Bricusse dies at 90

20/10/2021 19:08

        Oscar-winning British songwriter Leslie Bricusse, whose work includes James Bond themes and Willy Wonka's signature tune, has died. He was 90.
        
        Son Adam Bricusse said on Facebook that his father "passed away peacefully" on Tuesday. No cause of death was given. His death was also confirmed by actress Joan Collins, a friend, who said on Instagram that Bricusse "was one of the giant songwriters of our time.”
        
        Born in the London suburb of Pinner in 1931, Bricusse studied at Cambridge University, where he was president of the Footlights performance club, a springboard for musical and comic talent.
        
        He began writing music for stage and screen in the 1950s, and enjoyed success over more than five decades.