With the exception of John Williams, I don't think another composer's work has fostered my love of cinema more than Horner's.
I was just nine years old when I heard the rousing Main Title for 1980's Battle Beyond the Stars, a film really only notable for the music. Two years later came the beloved score for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, followed by Something Wicked This Way Comes and Krull.
Each of those scores was pure magic, full of conflict, playfulness and adventure. Sitting in the dark with my friends at the neighborhood five-plex are some of my most cherished childhood memories. James Horner's music was a big part of that.
Over the next 15 years Horner delivered unforgettable compositions for films like Cocoon, Aliens, Willow, Field of Dreams (one of my personal favorites), Glory, The Rocketeer, Legends of the Fall, Braveheart, Apollo 13 and of course, Titanic.
In all, James Horner scored over 100 films in 35-plus years. His work remains a testament to the power of cinema and will undoubtedly inspire audiences and filmmakers alike for generations to come.
