An English composer dies of cancer, at 73
RIPA player in the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Francis Monkman was drawn to rock music and learned to play the guitar. A band he formed in the late 1960s became known as Curved Air, with Monkman writing most of the music.
He worked with other bands and toured with the Shadows before joining guitarist John Williams in the fusion band, Sky.
From 1980 he became a fulltime composer, mostly for film and TV.
It was so easy in those days to cross from classical to rock and back.
Composed the brilliant score for The Long Good Friday which has become a classic score for a classic movie. R.I.P.
“It was so easy in those days to cross from classical to rock and back.”
Whereas now, if an R&B musician with a background in classical music is hired as a TV commentator on classical music this site heaps him with derision.
Hmmmm. Wonder what the difference could be?
A totally groovy dude. RIP
Sad to hear about his passing.
Curved Air were a good band.
May he rest in peace.
Sad Loss.
He was memorable in SKY.
That’s 2 of SKY gone now
First Kevin Peek & Now Francis Monkman.
Sky were very good. Nothing patronising, not trying too hard, crossover as it could and should be done.
So sad. He was a fantastic musician.