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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory composer Leslie Bricusse dies aged 90

Leslie Bricusse, who penned the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory songs “Candyman” and “Pure Imagination”, has died at the age of 90.

His death was confirmed by his friend Dame Joan Collins, who paid tribute to him as “one of the giant songwriters of our time”.

She wrote: “He and his beautiful Evie have been in my life for over 50 years. I will miss him terribly, as will his many friends.”

Best known for his work with long-time songwriting partner Anthony Newley, he penned the lyrics for classic Bond themes “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice”.

Bricusse twice won Oscars for his music, for the 1968 track “Talk to the Animals” from Doctor Doolittle as well as for the score of 1983’s Victor/Victoria.

Some of the biggest names in music found success with tracks by Bricusse, with Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Julie Andrews and Sammy Davis Jr among the artists to have performed his works.

The Pinner-born composer and lyricist also wrote stage musicals including Hook, Scrooge and Goodbye, Mr Chips.

Earlier this year, Bricusse celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Pure Imagination”, telling NPR: “It’s a good thought for people, especially young people, to carry with them through life. You’ll be free if you truly wish to be at the end is, to me, the most important line in the film. It’s a reflective thought on how to make a life work.”

He also recalled of filming Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: “The chocolate river set was up. It was real chocolate, by the way. And on the next soundstage, they were shooting Cabaret.

“And I thought how wonderful it was. And I was a bit nervous about the amateur style of our show compared with the professionalism of Bob Fosse.”

Photo: provided by The i
Source: msn.com
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