Ron Grainer (11 August 1922 — 21 February 1981) was an Australian-born composer who worked for most of his professional career in the United Kingdom.
He is mostly remembered for his film and television musical scores.
Perhaps one of his most eclectic film works was the music to The Omega Man, based upon the book I Am Legend by Richard Matheson and starring Charlton Heston. The soundtrack was not released on CD until 2002 in a limited run of 3000 copies through FilmScoreMonthly. Copies appear on eBay from time to time, but it is now considered a rarity. It was remastered and given a general release in 2008. The music contains a mix of symphonic, jazz, avant garde and electronic music. A compilation LP album,
Grainer was born in Atherton, Queensland, Australia. He studied music under Sir Eugene Goosens at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, but this was interrupted by World War II.
He was enlisted to the Australian Army and was injured, almost losing a leg.
In Britain from the 1950s, Grainer collaborated with the BBC Radiophonic Workshop on a number of television series themes, including Giants of Steam (a documentary about railways) and, most famously, in 1963 on the science fiction series Doctor Who. Grainer was so impressed with Delia Derbyshire's electronic realisation of his score (which remained the standard version of the Doctor Who theme for 18 years) that he is reputed to have said on hearing it, "Did I really write that?". He also offered to split his royalty with her,
In Britain from the 1950s, Grainer collaborated with the BBC Radiophonic Workshop on a number of television series themes, including Giants of Steam (a documentary about railways) and, most famously, in 1963 on the science fiction series Doctor Who. Grainer was so impressed with Delia Derbyshire's electronic realisation of his score (which remained the standard version of the Doctor Who theme for 18 years) that he is reputed to have said on hearing it, "Did I really write that?". He also offered to split his royalty with her,
Grainer composed the music for a number of ITC series, including Man in a Suitcase and The Prisoner, the latter based upon an earlier piece of music he had written entitled The Age of Elegance.
One of Grainer's later themes, Tales of the Unexpected, was also to become famous. The light, slightly mocking theme became a hallmark of the series.
Some other interesting facts
Ron Grainer's original theme tune for The Prisoner, entitled "The Age of Elegance". Patrick McGoohan requested that he record a more uptempo version (the one used in the series).
Mr McGoohan sent it back three times .. imagine what a true professional and humble gentleman this Artist Mr Grainer be !!!
Mr Grainer wrote much of The Musical score and arrangements to"To Sir With Love
I have personally enjoyed, admired and studied as well as performed
Mr Grainer's musical orchestra scores ..esp in college in the 80's
it was nice to go back and put this together ........
If one notices he indeed had a most special musical signature
thank You for letting me share ...
hope you enjoyed perhaps smiled at this wonderful legend and some of his work
Happy Twirlsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
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