Who Is James Horner? Age, Biography, and Wiki
James Horner, born on August 14, 1953, remains an iconic figure in the realm of film scoring. This illustrious American composer, known for his illustrious career in Hollywood, tragically passed away in June 2015. Despite his untimely death, Horner's work continues to resonate through the beloved scores of films such as Titanic, Avatar, and Braveheart. His innovative musical compositions and profound emotional depth have not only earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, but have also left an indelible mark on the film industry.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1953 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 22 June, 2015 |
| Died Place | Los Padres National Forest, California, U.S. |
Popularity
James Horner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific information related to James Horner's physical statistics is often overshadowed by his musical genius, it is notable that he stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight would have varied throughout his life, typical of many in the creative industry. However, what truly defined Horner was not his physical appearance but the extraordinary talent he brought to the world of music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Horner was a private individual who preferred to keep his personal life away from the public eye. He was married to his long-time partner, Sarah Horner, and together they had two daughters, Emily and Heather. Although he passed away in 2015, his legacy continues through his family, who honor his memory and contributions to music.
Horner was also a qualified private pilot and owned several small airplanes. His studio was filled with small automatons and objects which he purchased and collected over time.
In a documentary produced after his death, Horner's wife Sara stated that he described himself as having Asperger syndrome; according to Sara "He would say himself, and did at the end of his life, that he had Asperger's, and he definitely had a different kind of neurological wiring."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, James Horner's net worth was estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his successful career as a film composer, with royalties and earnings from the numerous movie soundtracks he created over the decades. Despite his death, his music continues to sell and earn, contributing to a lasting financial legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
James Horner’s career began in the 1970s, but it was during the 1990s when he became a household name in film composition. His work on blockbuster films garnered him worldwide recognition and several awards. Horner was known for his collaborations with directors like James Cameron and Ron Howard, crafting scores that defined film moments for generations. Beyond film, he also explored other musical avenues, including concert music and theatrical projects. His innovative approach took him into various business ventures, including music publishing and sound production.
Horner collaborated again with James Cameron on his 2009 film Avatar, which became the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing Cameron's own Titanic. Horner worked exclusively on Avatar for over two years. He said, "Avatar has been the most difficult film I have worked on, and the biggest job I have undertaken...
I work from four in the morning to about ten at night, and that's been my way of life since March. That's the world I'm in now, and it makes you feel estranged from everything. I'll have to recover from that and get my head out of [it]."
Social Network
James Horner was not heavily engaged in social media platforms, which aligns with his preference for privacy. His impact, however, can be felt across various fan communities and music platforms where his work continues to be celebrated. Posthumously, fans and musicians remain active in discussing and sharing his iconic contributions to film music through forums and dedicated websites.
Horner continued writing high-profile film scores in the 1980s, including 48 Hrs. (1982), Krull (1983), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Commando (1985), Cocoon (1985), Aliens (1986), Captain EO (1986), *batteries not included (1987), Willow (1988), Glory and Field of Dreams (both 1989). Cocoon was the first of his many collaborations with director Ron Howard.
Education
James Horner's educational journey began at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied music. He further honed his craft at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), focusing on classical music and composition. His academic foundations laid the groundwork for a prolific career that transformed the landscape of film scoring.
Horner started playing piano at the age of five. He also played violin. He spent his early years in London, where he attended the Royal College of Music, where he studied with György Ligeti.
He returned to America, where he attended Verde Valley School in Sedona, Arizona, and later received his bachelor's degree in music from the University of Southern California. After earning a master's degree, he started work on his doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied with Paul Chihara, among others.
After several scoring assignments with the American Film Institute in the 1970s, he finished teaching a course in music theory at UCLA, then turned to film scoring.
