Lyricist / Songwriter
Professional
Channels and Networks
Don Black started his career as a standup comedian, however he has become one of the UK's best loved and most recognised lyricists.
I wasn’t a good or successful comedian. I joke that comedy was in my blood, shame it wasn’t in my act!
His first foray into the world of theatre came with his work on the musical Billy with composer John Barry, which starred Michael Crawford. After this he went on to work with many composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein and Marvin Hamlisch to name but a few.
You have to love what you do, and I can’t emphasise enough how much I love songs.
His collaborations across theatre and film and contemporary music stretched from Bond themes to hit singles to sell out stage productions. Amongst his numerous credits you will find The Italian Job, Diamonds Are Forever, Aspects of Love and many more.
Bond songs should always be seductive and provocative and lure you in. I’ve also thought Shirley Bassey should sing them all!
The most recognisable of which are the theme from Born Free, for which he won an Oscar, Michael Jackson’s Ben and Lulu’s To Sir With Love – both No.1 hits in the USA.
Always try and write for yourself. Don't copy and don't follow. You are unique. There's only one of you. Try and put your individual signature on each song
A myriad of awards from the Oscar to five Academy Award nominations, two Tony Awards plus three Tony nominations, five Ivor Novello Awards, a Golden Globe, two Broadway Tony Awards and many platinum, gold and silver discs.
Don was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours list and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts by the City of London University. However, it is being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame that he says has outshone any previous accolade.
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