James Horner died this morning in a plane crash about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara, CA. The composer who was a recreational pilot was reportedly the only person on board. Horner was one of Hollywood’s most in demand film composers and has composed the music for the two highest-grossing films in history, Titanic and Avatar. He received two Academy Awards for his work on James Cameron’s Titanic and earned eight more Oscar nominations for such movies as Aliens, An American Tail, Field of Dreams, Braveheart, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, House of Sand and Fog and Avatar. He already completed scores for the upcoming dramas Southpaw and The 33 and recently also composed his first music for the concert hall in several decades.
James Horner (1953-2015)
Posted: June 22, 2015 by filmmusicreporter in Film Music NewsTags: James Horner
RIP My friend.
I’m sorry about James. I wish I could’ve met him. I share his birthday and I would like to wish you and James very happy late birthdays.
My favourite composer. This is painful. He shaped my musical vocabulary. His poor family.
James Horner created the soundtrack to imagination. I defy anyone to look at his CV and NOT find a film they love there. Rest easy, good sir.
Robert — so true!
Worst news of the day. RIP Mr. Horner, you will be missed.
R.I.P. Thank you for your music and your legacy. You will me greatly missed…..
I’m devastated. Thank you Mr. Horner for your music. It will live on forever.
So so sad. A musical genius and legend. His legacy will be in our hearts forever. Oh, the musical scores he made… pure, unadulterated awesome!
I worked as a projectionist for 40+ years and I am a professional musician. I have followed Horner’s scores since the beginning. My first favorite score was Cocoon. His scores affect me the way Williams and Bernstein scores do. He will be missed. A very sad day for the world of film scores.
One of the greats…
His music was so heartfelt. Unbelievable to hear of his passing, It is so very sad. Thank you for all the music that you gave to us. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself with us. RIP
What a tragedy! Such a talented composer/songwriter gone too soon. RIP James Horner. Thank you for the music.
Your music has inspired me for decades. A Beautiful body of work. Rest in Peace James Horner 🙁
I’m devastated at this terribly sad news. I’m only thankful that I was blessed this year with seeing him twice in london with his beautiful music. It is really unbelievable after the wonderful evening at the Royal Albert Hall and even the Royal Festival Hall hearing his new piece for Horns. What an awful time for his family.
Even though a number of his recent scores hadn’t been to my liking, it’s sad to know that he won’t be around to put out any more of them.
Devastated. I was bullied at school when I told everyone I loved his music. But thanks to him I discovered the amazing world of film music and all the talented composers past and present that have brought me so many hours of listening enjoyment. RIP and love to his family.
I’m still shocked, RIP, never forgotten you :”(
I was never the biggest fan, but James’ contribution to the world of film and music cannot be denied. Rest in piece, sir. This is a huge tragedy.
Rest in peace dear James,
Heard this terrible news by my parents, who were friends with you. Thank you again for all your amazing work passion and talent and such beautiful times around you and your music. Will remember for ever time around Stalingrad music composition for exemple. Such strong and moving times. You had a beautiful heart too. All my thoughts to people who needed and loved, love you. You are missed. Lots of love. Juliette Duval
A tragic loss! May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family.
i went to college with Jim several years! So sad
My soul was so touched by your music.
If we hold on together, I heard it over and over again, so much love in it.
Thank you for enriching my Life with your Music and sorry for my bad English.
James…as one of the violists has already said….I know we made fun of you sometimes, but it’s only because we really love you… I have to say that after every scoring session of yours I had the honor to play on, I could not get the tunes out of my head…and that’s something I honestly can’t say after 95% of the sessions I’ve played on in the last 38 years… I have never forgotten your beautiful melodies–we play them and sing them all the time at home—some of the best times I’ve had with my wife and daughter…not to mention all the kids I’ve taught your songs to over the years…. RIP my friend…you will never be forgotten!!
Reportedly, James composed the score for “The Magnificent Seven” remake in secret right before he died. It was meant to be a suprise for the director.