From Grokipedia
Full article''Don Black'' is a British lyricist and songwriter known for his Academy Award-winning work on the theme song "Born Free" and his contributions to James Bond film themes and acclaimed musical theatre productions.
Born Donald Blackstone on 21 June 1938 in London, England, to Jewish immigrant parents from Russia, Don Black began his career in entertainment before establishing himself as one of Britain's most successful lyricists. He first gained international recognition with the lyrics for "Born Free" in 1966, which earned him the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1967, marking him as the first British songwriter to win the award in that category. His collaborations include iconic James Bond title songs such as "Diamonds Are Forever" and "The Man with the Golden Gun," as well as long-running partnerships with composers like Andrew Lloyd Webber on musicals including Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, and Bombay Dreams.
Black's extensive body of work spans film, theatre, and popular music, featuring hit songs and scores that have achieved both critical and commercial success across decades. He has been honored with an OBE and CBE for his services to music and drama, and continues to influence the industry through new projects and family collaborations in theatre production.
In brief
Donald Blackstone (born 21 June 1938), known professionally as Don Black, is an English lyricist. His works have included numerous musicals, movie, television themes and hit songs. He has provided lyrics for John Barry, Charles Strouse, Matt Monro, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Quincy Jones, Hoyt Curtin, Lulu, Jule Styne, Henry Mancini, Meat Loaf, Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, Elmer Bernstein, Michel Legrand, Hayley Westenra, Ennio Morricone, A.
R. Rahman, Marvin Hamlisch and Debbie Wiseman. AllMusic stated that "Black is perhaps best-known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and for the James Bond theme songs he co-wrote with composer John Barry: Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever and The Man with the Golden Gun."
Photographs
Hero photograph: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
