John Barry, Yorkshire-born king of movie soundtracks, dies at 77

Barry, who grew up in York, wrote scores for films including The Ipcress File, Zulu and Midnight Cowboy – but he is best known for his long association with 007.

Lyricist Don Black, who co-wrote songs including Born Free and Diamonds Are Forever with Barry, said success never changed him and hailed him as "a wonderful talent".

Sir Tim Rice, who collaborated with Barry on the theme to the 1983 Bond film Octopussy, said he was "a magnificent figure".

Barry was born into a showbusiness family – his mother played the piano and his father owned a string of cinemas, which the composer claimed as the inspiration for his love of the movies. He was made an OBE and was awarded a Bafta fellowship in 2005 in recognition of his work.

Barry's style, complete with lush strings and grand orchestral movements, was instantly recognisable and influenced stars including Robbie Williams, whose 1998 number one hit Millennium was inspired by the theme to You Only Live Twice.

Black said: "I think I knew him as well as anyone in the world. We were best friends for a long time, since the early Sixties.

"The thing about John that I will always remember was he never changed. He was very much the Yorkshireman whether he was in Beverly Hills or Manhattan.

"He lived in Oyster Bay, New York, for 30 or 40 years but you would never know it. There was no trace of America about him – he brought York to New York.

"When he played you a melody it was like an unveiling. You didn't question it because you knew he had been up all night working on it and getting it right."

Sir Tim added: "He was a very pleasant man and very well-spoken with a slight Yorkshire tinge to his voice which he never lost. It is quite extraordinary, but film seemed to bring out the very best in him."

A statement released by Barry's family said he died on Sunday in New York. He leaves his wife of 33 years, Laurie, four children and five grandchildren. A private family funeral will be followed by a memorial service in the UK.