Biography
John Williams is an American composer and conductor who, in a career spanning over seven decades, has become one of America's most accomplished and successful composers for film and for the concert stage. He has composed some of the most popular, recognizable, and critically acclaimed film scores in cinematic history.
Early Start
Born in Queens, New York, his family moved to Los Angeles in 1948. He attended UCLA and studied composition privately with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. After serving in the Air Force, he attended the Juilliard School and worked as a jazz pianist.
Challenges Overcome
He originally planned on becoming a concert pianist, but after hearing contemporary pianists like John Browning and Van Cliburn perform, he switched his focus to composition, recalling that he "could write better than [he] could play."
Key Achievements
- 5 Academy Awards
- 26 Grammy Awards
- 7 BAFTA Awards
- 4 Golden Globe Awards
- 54 Academy Award nominations
Why They Inspire Us
His music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions and has become an integral part of popular culture, inspiring generations of musicians and filmmakers.
"So much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories."