Top 100 Composers

[diamondwaspvenom]

We've done robots, aliens, actors and actresses and monsters. Now, what about composers? They've helped create the fun and atmosphere in many b-movies, so in my opinion, they deserve a top 100.

Starting things off:

1) Richard Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ptw2-5JJRU

[Time_Signature]

2) Queen (solely because of their Flash Gordon soundtrack)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhMLpUJOcA

[voltron]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLIrAswLrhU

[Rev. Powell]

4. ENNIO MORRICONE, an obvious choice.

Here's a different version of his most famous tune, conducted by the man himself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux0vyv7dEGk

[retrorussell]

5. Harry Manfredini of the Friday the 13th films.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja0KKoPr9Ik&feature=related

[D-Man]

6.  Basil Poledouris, a man who left us WAY too soon.  His work in films like Robocop and Starship Troopers will live on for quite some time. 

His masterwork, though, was Conan The Barbarian.

onGWF8mz1Zw

[RCMerchant]

7.Franz Waxman
Mr.Waxman composed the music for LOTS of films-but of interest to most of us-(well to me) are his scores for-
.the BRIDE OF FRANKENSTIEN [1935]
.the DEVIL DOLL [1936]
.the INVISABLE RAY [1937]
.DR.JEKYLL AND MR.HYDE [1941]
and lotsa stock from his pics were used for the serials...
.the PHANTOM CREEPS [1939] (my favorite Bela serial!)
.BUCK ROGERS [1939]
.FLASH GORDON [1938]
Heres a nice selection from the classic BRIDE of FRANKENSTEIN...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsSgprG4-hw

[Jim H]

There's one really obvious one I'm shocked no one has mentioned.  But I'll hold off in favor of a much more obscure one I like a lot.

8. Lowell Lo

Who seems to have retired?

He composed the soundtrack for The Killer and numerous other Hong Kong films.  His most energetic piece is the fantastic title theme from God of Gamblers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSyyO52B4sk

[Flick James]

9) How about John Carpenter? We are talking about B-movie composers, right? His scoring of Escape from New York was remarkable. I still hear the opening music in my head when I think of that movie.

[Jim H]

John Carpenter is a great choice.  Can ANYONE think of Halloween now without hearing the theme in their head?

10) John Williams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjMNNpIksaI

When you've done Jaws, Stars Wars, ET, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Superman, and Harry Potter, what else is there to say?  Don't forget FORTY FIVE Oscar nominations and five wins.  Oh yeah, and seven times he was nominated twice in the same slot in the same year - which can easily cost you the Oscar.

He has done a share of films that apply to this board.  Like the Poseidon Adventure (in my opinion), The Towering Inferno, and Heartbeeps (ugh, believe it or not).

[diamondwaspvenom]

11) Christopher Young
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fszF-CA1ekk

[retrorussell]

12. Mike Oldfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY-4fbzCq14&feature=fvw

[Joe the Destroyer]

13) Akira Ifukube

Responsible for many Toho scores, including Godzilla. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzWU6DL9Gw4

God, I love the trademark theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTWpNc7GFQ