Ennio Morricone Dead: Iconic Film Composer Was 91

After crafting one of the most prolific catalogs of music in a career that spanned almost 60 years, Ennio Morricone has died at the age of 91, per the Hollywood Reporter. He’s most famous for his legendary collaborations with Sergio Leone on films like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” “Once Upon a Time in the West” and many more. While Morricone is best known for his iconic western themes, he’s also crafted legendary songs across many genres. His theme for John Carpenter’s “The Thing” is a memorable horror soundtrack and he was nominated for an Oscar for his music for the gangster movie “The Untouchables.”

Despite spending decades as one of the most creative forces in movie music, Morricone did not win an Oscar for music until 2015 when he won for Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.” Though he didn’t bring home a lot of trophies, his music in the Leone films became synonymous with the American West. The theme for “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” is one of the most well-known tunes in all of film. Morricone’s body of work speaks for itself. He’s without a doubt one of the greatest and most creative musical composers ever. This is evident in the outpouring of love he has received.

Where to even begin with iconic composer Ennio Morricone? He could make an average movie into a must see, a good movie into art, and a great movie into legend. He hasn't been off my stereo my entire life. What a legacy of work he leaves behind. RIP. https://t.co/qZX6qE10ke

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 6, 2020

Brilliant composer Ennio Morricone has passed away. A friend and collaborator, his talent was inestimable. I will miss him.

— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) July 6, 2020

With great sadness, we say goodbye to a big master of cinema. His music will keep playing in our memories. Rest in peace #EnnioMorricone. pic.twitter.com/KWwJbfHzRx

— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) July 6, 2020

The legendary composer wrote his own obituary:

I, Ennio Morricone, have died.

I’m announcing my death to all my friends that have always been close to me and to those who I haven’t seen for a while. I salute them with great affection. Impossible to name all of them.

I do want to dedicate a special mention though, to Peppuccio and Roberta, brotherly friends, extremely present in these last days of our life.

There is only one reason that pushes me to send my farewell to all of you in this way, and for which I’ve decided to have a private funeral: I do not want to disturb.

I say goodbye with great affection to Ines, Laura, Sara, Enzo and Norbert, thanking them for having shared with my family and me a big part of my life.

I want to remember with love, my sisters Adriana, Maria and Franca and their loved ones and let them know how much I’ve loved them.

An intense, full and profound goodbye goes to my children Marco Alessandra, Andrea and Giovanni, my daughter in law Monica, my grandchildren Francesca, Valentina, Francesco and Luca.

I hope they will understand how much I’ve loved them.

Last, but not least, Maria to whom I renew the extraordinary love that has kept us together and that I really regret leaving.

I send my most painful farewell to her.