Leslie Bricusse, English playwright and composer

Leslie Bricusse OBE (29 January 1931 – 19 October 2021) was an exceptionally prolific and celebrated British composer, lyricist, and playwright whose illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both theatre musicals and the world of cinema. Recognised as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his significant contributions to the arts, Bricusse possessed a unique talent for crafting memorable melodies and poignant lyrics that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

His profound impact is perhaps most widely felt through his extensive work on acclaimed films and stage productions, where he frequently served as both composer and lyricist. Bricusse's remarkable versatility allowed him to navigate various genres, from fantastical children's tales to poignant dramas, consistently delivering rich and engaging musical narratives.

Key Contributions to Film Musicals

• Doctor Dolittle (1967): Bricusse wrote both the music and lyrics for this imaginative musical fantasy film. The motion picture earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Talk to the Animals," a truly iconic tune penned by Bricusse, which perfectly captured the whimsical spirit of the story.
• Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969): For this deeply moving musical drama, Bricusse contributed the music and lyrics, adding lyrical depth to the narrative about a beloved schoolteacher's life.
• Scrooge (1970): A vibrant musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic "A Christmas Carol," Bricusse once again demonstrated his mastery by writing all the music and lyrics, transforming the timeless tale into an engaging cinematic experience filled with memorable songs like "Thank You Very Much."
• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971): Arguably one of his most beloved and enduring works, Bricusse, in collaboration with Anthony Newley, penned the unforgettable music and lyrics for this classic fantasy film. This collaboration yielded some of cinema's most cherished songs, including the enchanting "Pure Imagination," a timeless anthem of hope and wonder, and the globally recognized "The Candy Man," which became a major hit for Sammy Davis Jr.
• Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992): Bricusse continued to lend his lyrical and musical talents to animation, contributing to this feature film adaptation of the iconic cartoon duo.

Iconic Songs and Collaborations

Beyond his full musical scores for films, Bricusse was also the lyricist behind numerous standalone hit songs, often collaborating with renowned composers to create enduring masterpieces:

• "Goldfinger" (1964): As the lyricist (with Anthony Newley) for this powerful title song from the James Bond film of the same name, Bricusse helped craft one of the most recognizable and enduring theme songs in cinematic history, famously performed by Shirley Bassey (music by John Barry).
• "You Only Live Twice" (1967): Another iconic James Bond theme, Bricusse again provided the evocative lyrics (music by John Barry), beautifully complementing Nancy Sinatra's haunting vocal performance and solidifying its place in the spy film canon.
• "Can You Read My Mind (Love Theme)" from Superman (1978): Bricusse penned the tender and romantic lyrics to John Williams's soaring musical theme, creating a quintessential love song that underscored the emotional core of the classic superhero film.
• "Le Jazz Hot!" from Victor/Victoria (1982): Collaborating with legendary composer Henry Mancini, Bricusse wrote the vibrant and captivating lyrics for this show-stopping number. Their collective work on the film "Victor/Victoria" was highly acclaimed and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song Score, further cementing their collaborative brilliance.

Leslie Bricusse's legacy is defined by his extraordinary ability to infuse stories with musical magic, creating works that continue to entertain and inspire generations. His extensive catalogue stands as a testament to his versatility and the enduring power of his artistic vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leslie Bricusse

What was Leslie Bricusse primarily known for?

Leslie Bricusse was a distinguished British composer, lyricist, and playwright, widely celebrated for his significant contributions to both theatre musicals and the creation of iconic theme music and songs for films. He crafted complete scores for films like "Doctor Dolittle" and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," and penned lyrics for famous songs such as "Goldfinger" and "Pure Imagination."

Which iconic films feature Leslie Bricusse's music and lyrics?

His most well-known film contributions include "Doctor Dolittle," "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "Scrooge," and the beloved "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." He also contributed to "Tom and Jerry: The Movie."

Did Leslie Bricusse write the lyrics for James Bond theme songs?

Yes, Leslie Bricusse was the lyricist for two iconic James Bond title songs: "Goldfinger" (co-written with Anthony Newley, music by John Barry) and "You Only Live Twice" (music by John Barry).

What major awards did Leslie Bricusse receive?

Leslie Bricusse was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Talk to the Animals" from "Doctor Dolittle" and received multiple other Oscar nominations throughout his career, including for "Victor/Victoria" (Best Original Song Score).

What famous songs did Leslie Bricusse write?

Among his extensive repertoire, some of his most famous songs include "Pure Imagination" and "The Candy Man" (from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"), "Talk to the Animals" (from "Doctor Dolittle"), "Goldfinger," "You Only Live Twice," "Can You Read My Mind (Love Theme)" (from "Superman"), and "Le Jazz Hot!" (from "Victor/Victoria").