Song:From Russia With Love
Album:The Very Best of Matt Monro
British pop singer Matt Monro was successful in the 60s. Though not his biggest hit, the theme from the James Bond film From Russia With Love is probably one of his most memorable recordings. He was known as The Man With The Golden Voice. He was born Terence Edward Parsons Dec. 1, 1930 in London, England. He got his first big break when he became a featured vocalist with the BBC Show Band in 1956. Pianist Winifred Atwell took him under her wing and named him Matt Monro. He recorded an album of standards for Decca in 1957. But it went nowhere and by 1959, Monro was singing jingles. His second big break came when producer George Martin asked Monro to record a song for the Peter Sellers album Songs For Swinging Sellers which was a spoof of crooners. This led to a contract with Parlophone and Martin produced all of Monro's 60s recordings. His biggest hit singles were Portrait Of My Love in 1960 and My Kind Of Girl in 1961. My Kind Of Girl was his biggest hit in the US too. But the theme for From Russia With Love is probably Monro's most memorable song because James Bond films have their own fanbase. The song was written by Oliver! composer Lionel Bart. The song played over the closing credits of the film. Monro recorded other songs for James Bond composer John Barry including Born Free in 1967. After living in California for a while, he moved back to England in 1970. Monro continued to record and tour but he wasn't as popular as he was in the 60s. This comp is a good intro to his music. Matt Monro died of cancer on Feb. 7, 1985 at age 54. Here's Matt Monro performing From Russia With Love on the BBC 1975. You gotta love the leisure suit.
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