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John Williams: Star Wars - EdexcelJohn Williams

John Williams is one of the most successful and sought-after film composers, writing for many blockbuster films and winning many awards. The Star Wars score is one of his most memorable pieces of work, becoming as iconic as the 1977 film itself.

Part of MusicMusic for stage and screen

John Williams

John Williams was born in New York, USA, in 1932. He attended the Juilliard School for drama, music and art in Manhattan, New York.

His first major success was for the film score for Jaws in 1975 for which he won an Oscar.

A black and white photograph of composer John Williams sat at a grand piano.
Image caption,
John Williams

Williams has composed some of the most iconic film music of all time, including for Superman, Indiana Jones, E.T., Harry Potter, Home Alone and War Horse. He has composed music for over a hundred films and is still actively composing today. His music features in the latest Star Wars trilogy. His career has included writing for four Olympic opening ceremonies, and television programmes, such as the 1960s Lost in Space series.

In addition to composing, Williams conducted the London Symphony Orchestra for the Star Wars: A New Hope soundtrack performance in 1977. He has conducted many of the world’s other leading orchestras, including the Boston Pops Orchestra as principal conductor from 1980 to 1993.