Every day there is news about someone famous dying. For the most part the news results in little more than a passing comment to a colleague or friend.
But once in awhile the news hits much harder and lingers. Such was the case when I heard of the tragic death of film composer/songwriter James Horner, who apparently died Monday (June 22, 2015) while piloting his own single-engine plane with no passengers.
Film scores are one of the most important elements of a film, sometimes the most important component to drive your emotional engagement. And no one did it better than James Horner in films where it was best demonstrated such as “Field of Dreams” and “Glory,” as well as “Titanic,” “Apollo 13”, “Cocoon,” “Avatar,” and even “Willow” and “The Journey of Natty Gann,” not to mention writing “My Heart Will Go On” and co-writing “Somewhere Out There” (“American Tail”), and so many others.
James was so pleasant and approachable when I chatted with him over dinner at a reception and had so many great anecdotes about “Field of Dreams.”
Your music will forever be in my head and my heart, James Horner. Somewhere out there someone’s saying a prayer. Near, far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on.
— By Scott Hettrick