Leslie Bricusse: British composer who wrote songs from Goldfinger to Willy Wonka’s Pure Imagination has died

Writer of Bond themes ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘You Only Live Twice’ and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory favourites ‘Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’ has died, aged 90
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British composer Leslie Bricusse has died, aged 90.

The popular song writer penned numerous tracks to well known musicals and films over a long established and decorated career.

He was probably best known for writing the lyrics to James Bond songs Goldfinger, with Anthony Newley, and You Only Live Twice.

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He also struck up a writing partnership with John Williams for films Superman, Home Alone, Hook and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

And he held the pen for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory favourites Candy Man and Pure Imagination, the latter with Newley.

Here’s a look at the life and career of Leslie Bricusse, his songs, awards and tributes made to "one of the giant songwriters of our time"...

Who was Leslie Bricusse?

Born in Middlesex, England, Leslie Bricusse was educated at the University College School in London before studying at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

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His love of music led to him composing and writing the lyrics to many scores now familiar in millions of households around the world.

Though born in London, he lived in California, had a son, Adam, and was married to actress Yvonne Romain. Leslie Bricusse died on 19 October 2021, aged 90.

What were some of Leslie Bricusse’s songs?

Leslie Bricusse worked on many musicals including Doctor Dolittle, Scrooge, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Peter Pan, Hook and Sherlock Holmes among others.

He was known for composing the songs Goldfinger, from the 1964 James Bond film of the same name, and 1967’s You Only Live Twice, the soundtrack to another 007 film.

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He penned Candy Man and Pure Imagination from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl and starring Gene Wilder.

Bricusse later became known for composing festive favourites to films such as Santa Claus: The Movie, HarryPotter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the much loved theme to Home Alone.

How many awards did Leslie Bricusse win?

Among numerous nominations, Leslie Bricusse won two Academy Awards, a Grammy and in 2014 was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Academy Award

  • Best Original Song, 1968 – Talk to the Animals
  • Best Adaptation and Original Song Score, 1982 - Victor/Victoria

Grammy Award

  • Song of the Year, 1963 – What Kind of Fool Am I

Tributes to Leslie Bricusse

Dame Joan Collins said Leslie Bricusse was "one of the giant songwriters of our time".

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Dame Joan said: "One of the giant songwriters of our time, writer of Candyman, Goldfinger amongst so many other hits, and my great friend Leslie Bricusse has sadly died today.

"He and his beautiful Evie have been in my life for over 50 years. I will miss him terribly, as will his many friends."

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