Laurie Johnson, who provided one of the best and well-loved British TV and film themes and music, including The Avengers, passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Laurie Johnson, a renowned English composer and bandleader who provided some of the most loved British television and film themes and music, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was 96 years old at the time of his death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this challenging time.
Laurie Johnson died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 96. His family released a statement announcing his death and paying tribute to honour his memory. The family said Johnson passed away last Tuesday, “leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in our hearts.”
Laurie died in his sleep, the family said.
“Laurie’s music touched the lives of millions around the world. Throughout his illustrated career, he composed numerous iconic scores, themes, and soundtracks that graced our lives across film, TV, theatre, and radio,” the statement read.
“He was dearly loved by many,” the family added, “and is sorely missed by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.”
Who was Laurie Johnson?
Laurie Reginald Ward Johnson was a veteran composer and bandleader who wrote some of the best-loved themes and music for British film and TV between the 1960s and 1980s. Some of his most memorable themes include The Avengers, The Professionals, Animal Magic, Jason King, and This is Your Life. His notable film credits include Dr. Strangelove, Tiger Bay, and It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet.
Laurie was born in Hampstead, England, on February 7, 1927. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London. He spent four years in the Coldstream Guards but later moved to the entertainment industry in the 1950s. One of his first major projects was as a composer and music director in the musical Lock Up Your Daughters (1959). The score won an Ivor Novello Award. His stage works included music from Peter Cook’s Revue, Pieces of Eight, and The Four Musketeers.
In 1961, Johnson created the theme music for the UK television series Top Secret “Sucu Sucu,” which entered the UK Singles Chart. In 1997, he toured with his band, The London Big Band. Their “Theme From ‘The Professionals’” topped the UK Singles Chart at number 36 in May 1997. He has written scores for over fifty films and television. His work has become stock music for several animated series, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Ren And Stimpy.
Johnson was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for his contribution to music.