Birth

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May 15, 1906 in Alexandria, LA

 

Johnny Williams is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on February 8, 1932, in Floral Park, New York, Williams showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. His father, Johnny Williams Sr., was a jazz drummer, and his mother, Esther, was a pianist. Williams grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Williams attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied piano and composition. He also played jazz piano in nightclubs to support himself while he was a student. After graduating from Juilliard, Williams began his career as a jazz pianist and arranger. He worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, and Nelson Riddle. In the 1950s, Williams began working in the film industry as a composer and arranger. He worked on a variety of films, including "Daddy-O," "Because They're Young," and "Diamond Head." In 1960, Williams was hired by director Alfred Hitchcock to compose the score for his film "Psycho." The score, which featured the iconic screeching violins, became one of the most famous in film history and earned Williams his first Academy Award nomination. Williams continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1960s and 1970s, composing scores for films such as "The Reivers," "The Poseidon Adventure," and "The Towering Inferno." In 1977, Williams was hired by director George Lucas to compose the score for his film "Star Wars." The score, which featured the famous "Main Title" theme, became one of the most popular and recognizable in film history. Williams won his first Academy Award for Best Original Score for "Star Wars" and went on to win four more for his work on "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Schindler's List," "Jaws," and "Fiddler on the Roof." In addition to his work in the film industry, Williams has also composed a number of classical works. He has written concertos for a variety of instruments, including the violin, cello, and trumpet. He has also written a number of symphonies, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1988. Throughout his career, Williams has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In addition to his five Academy Awards, he has also won four Golden Globe Awards, 24 Grammy Awards, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2009. Williams continues to compose music and perform around the world. He has conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest film composers of all time and has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

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