Legendary, Oscar-winning composer John Barry has died at the age of 77. Barry is known for scoring films like Goldfinger, Midnight Cowboy, Dances With Wolves, Out of Africa, and more—including his first Bond film, Dr. No. However, his contribution to Dr. No has been disputed, and he goes uncredited for any work done on it; he's been quoted as saying "If I didn't write it, why did they ask me to do the other ones?" He went on to write music for 11 more Bond films. more ›

Seventy-two-year-old songwriter, film director and one-time Oscar winner (for penning schmaltzy '70s pop tune "You Light Up My Life") Joseph Brooks was previously indicted on 91 counts for allegedly luring at least 13 young women to his apartment via Craigslist ads and raping and sexually assaulting them. And now prosecutors claim that's just the tip of the iceberg. more ›

Are you ready to geek out? On October 9th and 10th, more than 300 musicians will gather onstage at Radio City Musical to perform composer Howard Shore’s award-winning score to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring live to Peter Jackson’s film. The ensemble is as epic as the movie, and includes Switzerland’s 21st Century Symphony Orchestra, the internationally-acclaimed The Collegiate Chorale, the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and renowned soprano Kaitlyn Lusk, all under the direction of celebrated Maestro Ludwig Wicki. more ›

Charlie Hunter may be best known in the jazz world, but playing 7 and 8-string guitars better than most play the standard 6—any audience will be mesmerized by his skills alone. Taught by Joe Satriani, in his earlier days he was part of Michael Franti's political rap group (The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) and since has branched out on his own, while continuing to collaborate along the way. Tomorrow night he celebrates his latest recording, Baboon Strength, at Sullivan Hall, along with his new trio and a special guest horn section. We recently checked in with him as he embarked upon the tour. more ›

At 26-years-old, Nico Muhly has an impressive resume; on top of studying at Julliard and being the subject of an extensive New Yorker piece, the musician/composer/wunderkind has worked with Philip Glass, Rufus Wainwright, Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons), Björk and even Brooklyn boys The National. If you're not impressed yet, just take a listen to his latest album, Mothertongue, or his 2006 debut Speaks Volumes--and you'll understand that he doesn't need the big names to make a name for himself. This Saturday he'll be performing at (Le) Poisson Rouge with Doveman and Sam Amidon, who he is currently on tour with. more ›

They’ll deny it, but most college students who write plays harbor some secret fantastic hope that their new opus will be hailed as the arrival of a fresh new voice and open on Broadway to triumphant acclaim. It obviously never happens, except when it does: 28-year-old Lin-Manuel Miranda, originally from Washington Heights, conceived the musical In the Heights as a sophomore at Wesleyan. After graduating, the show, a hip hop and salsa-inflected homage to his old ‘hood, caught the eye of the producers behind RENT and Avenue Q. It opened Off Broadway last year to rave reviews, packed houses and far too many awards to schlep home on the A train. Now the Broadway incarnation is bounding through previews, having kept most of the original Off Broadway cast, which includes Miranda himself in one of the starring roles. The official opening night is March 9th; ticket prices vary. more ›