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Been loving his music since I was a little kid, the In-Laws being the first score of his I heard theatrically, and boy did it stick in this 8-year old's head like glue. His themes have a way of wrapping themselves around my brain in the most delightful possible way. He had a talent for spoofing/riffing serious genre scores for MB, and yet what he produced for that purpose often came out at the same level of quality as those scores that inspired him, and sometimes more. Spaceballs Build Mega-Maid is as exciting a cue as you would find in any serious sci-fi movie, and that's one small example. He was a gifted spirit whose music never fails to make me smile.
DSS
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The only movie scored by him that I have seen is 1991's TV movie Carolina Skeletons.
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He will be missed. Clue is absolute lunacy. Hysterically fun score.
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Posted: |
Jan 29, 2018 - 2:09 PM
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By: |
Broughtfan
(Member)
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Haven't posted in a while but I couldn't not pay tribute here.
The man, John Morris, was a giant talent. Not only a natural film composer but also an ace music arranger. Just listen to all those incredible modulations he worked into Brooks' "Springtime for Hitler" and "High Anxiety" (especially in the end title, Thorndyke's "crooner bit") and you'll readily hear what I mean.
John Morris was the first person to whom I sent a fan letter, this was forty years ago next week. In his reply he told me what harmony/orchestration/conducting texts to purchase (all of which I proudly have on my bookshelf today) and, very kindly, acceded to my request for a sheet of his score paper (bearing his typed name at the bottom of the sheet). In short, he took the time because he recognized in me a genuine interest and I am forever grateful to him for this and for also offering me the single best piece of advice I have received from, not only a musician, but anyone, a single word: Study! I took that advice and continue to do as he then suggested.
Though I never met him, I'm proud to say a movement of one of my brass ensemble works (each movement dedicated to a different, influential film composer) bears the following inscription: 'Dedicated to, with permission, Mr. John Morris.' That was our second and last communication.
He may not be as well known as the other great film composer "Johns," but he has left us with film music memories that will remain throughout our lives.
Thank you, John for
The Producers
The Twelve Chairs
Blazing Saddles
Young Frankenstein
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother
Silent Movie
High Anxiety
The In-Laws
The Scarlet Letter (PBS)
The Elephant Man
Table for Five
Yellowbeard
Spaceballs
The Doctor and the Devils
Fresno
Clue
Themes for The French Chef, Coach
Your contributions to American theater
You had so much music in you. I'll be listening to some of it today, probably all week.
Rest in peace -
William
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"....He conquered fear and he conquered hate.
He turned dark night into day.
He made his blazing saddle...
A torch to... light. ..the.. way...."
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"....He conquered fear and he conquered hate.
He turned dark night into day.
He made his blazing saddle...
A torch to... light. ..the.. way...."
A cry went up for a man with guts
To take the West in hand
They needed a man who was brave and true
With justice for all as his aim
Then out of the sun rode a man with a gun
And Bart was his name, yes Bart was his name
Love the song.
RIP Mr. Morris
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"Hope for the best, expect the worst."
This song from The Twelve Chairs has been getting a lot of play from me lately. One of my favorite collaborations with Morris and Mel Brooks.
I listen to a podcast that opens with that song every week. Never knew what it was from. Terrific.
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When we put out Bank Shot he was thrilled. He said to me then that his great dream and hope was for A Time for Singing to come out - he called it his musical soul. So, we made that dream come true and he was delighted. And while I'm sure most here don't even know what it is I cannot recommend it highly enough. Stunning music.
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