Sorry to hear this. I never had the chance to meet him at Peter's events, but he seemed like a really nice guy.
As far as his music is concerned, I'm afraid I'm only familiar with his SUPERMAN stuff. And the fact that he scored that Beatles film. But I'm sure there's lots of great, undiscovered music on his resume.
Very sad to hear. He left an indelible mark on the SUPERMAN II & III projects and my admiration for his work greatly soared after the SUPERMAN BOX set. Thanks Kenny!
A little video of Ken signing at Dark Delicacies in 2009. I flew out from Indiana to go to this signing and it was just grand to meet him and all the other wonderful composers. I sent Ken a copy of this video and he was so moved he found my number and called me up. I was SHOCKED and from that started our six year friendship. Sure miss him
Thanks for posting that video, Peter. It was such a pleasure to meet Mr. Thorne at FFM 2. He was such a sweet and humble man, which complimented his wry and witty sense of humor. I'll always treasure that day.
I am so sad to hear this. Rest In Peace. Some very bad news in regards to one of the greatest composers who ever lived, he is not in my top 20, simply because he is more of a gifted adapter of music, rather than an actual composer – however – his music is usually on par with the great Henry Mancini – a composer that this gentleman sincerely admires. He probably would have written a fantastic James Bond score if given the opportunity.
I play my “Superman III” soundtrack more than the other Superman Scores by the way, and it's a big thanks to Thorne’s new material – I love his adoptions on the John Williams themes as well – music examples of his best work are cues like “Superman And Lorelei On Statue/Superman Ruins Tanker”. This is some of the best highlights in the film series, and that is just a taste. Gus Flying with Superman is another cue which I play a zillion times! The entire showdown is fantastic actually, and his end title from "III" is brilliant! He is one of the few composers who also conducted his own music! BRAVO!
I am currently listening to his “Lassiter” score! Do yourself a favor, and play this – you will hear nods to Henry Mancini in the writing style and orchestrations.
What exactly did he die from? It doesn't say much news on the “net”.
I'm sorry to read this, I also loved his Superman work a great deal. The Jackie Chan action flick "The Protector" also had a great score by him and his theme was incredibly catchy. It played in the previews. Never got a CD release to my knowledge, but did hit LP.
Very sad to hear. He left an indelible mark on the SUPERMAN II & III projects and my admiration for his work greatly soared after the SUPERMAN BOX set. Thanks Kenny!
Agreed. I feel his arrangement of William's theme underscoring the original Superman II opening credits is one of the best versions, ever.
I'm also a big fan of Thorne's score to Inspector Clouseau.
Meeting Mr. Thorne at FFM2 was the highlight of that event. A witty, intelligent and very classy gentleman whose legacy lives on in his wonderful music.
NP: My autographed copy of Lassiter (a perenial favorite of mine).
I'm sorry also to hear of his passing - A legacy of great music he left behind! My favourites being Superman 2-3, Lassiter, Help etc... Sadly another missed opportunity of meeting this talent & have him sign my Superman booklet alongside John Williams' - DOH!
