The Background of Our Lives

Today is John Williams' birthday. He is 76.

Understandably, many will ask, "Who is John Williams? And, why do I care?"

Good question. Mr. Williams is a film score composer and orchestra director. While many don't know him, few are unaware of his music.

Who hears those timeless slow bass notes from Jaws and don't have an immediate mental picture of a fin slicing through the water... Or vice versa, see a fin and think of the music?

Superman isn't Superman without that triumphant march.

And Star Wars is defined as much by lasers, robots, Darth Vader, and the Force... As by the music.

We hear his music at the Olympics. NBC News has a theme written by him (albeit, the full verson is usually only heard on the New Years' Eve broadcast, but it's iconic nevertheless.

Indy wouldn't BE Indiana Jones without the music. Our heart strings wouldn't be tugged dring Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan quite the same were the music ordinary.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind... E.T.... Jurassic Park - our imagination crescendoed with the orchestra.

He captures the bravery, hope, and prologue of patriotism in The Patriot.

And, he's won FIVE Oscars for his efforts.


I had the enviable pleasure of savoring a performance of him leading the Boston Pops. It's a treasured memory.

And, I've had the joy of performing his compositions. Ok, sometimes, not joy as he works his instruments VERY hard. But, in return, normally "supportive" instruments (includng my beloved trombone) are often given the rare pleasure of a melody.

Truly, a man who's leaving an indelible mark on our culture and will ne'er be forgotten, and long missed when his baton and pen are put down for the final time... Hopefully, no time soon.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Williams. And, Thank You.