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John Williams

8 February 1932 – present

John Williams is an American composer and conductor best known for his film scores, including Jaws, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List and the Harry Potter and Indiana Jones films. He served as conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra from 1980 to 1993 and has won five Academy Awards.

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Life events

Born in Floral Park, New York
8 February 1932

Born on Long Island to Esther and Johnny Williams, a jazz drummer and percussionist.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Family moved to Los Angeles
1948

Moved to California, where he attended North Hollywood High School and later studied at UCLA.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served in the United States Air Force
1952 – 1954

Conducted and arranged for military bands during his service.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied piano at the Juilliard School
1955

Studied with Rosina Lhevinne in New York while working as a jazz pianist in city clubs.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married the actress and singer Barbara Ruick
1956 – 1974

The couple had three children and remained married until her death in 1974.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won his first Academy Award, for Fiddler on the Roof
1972

Received the Oscar for Best Adapted Score for his work on the film adaptation of the musical.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Composed the score for Jaws
1975

His score for Steven Spielberg's film won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and began a decades-long collaboration with the director.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Composed the score for Star Wars
1977

The orchestral score for George Lucas's film won an Academy Award and became one of the best-selling soundtrack recordings.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra
1980 – 1993

Succeeded Arthur Fiedler and led the orchestra for thirteen seasons before becoming its laureate conductor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won an Academy Award for the score of Schindler's List
1994

His score, featuring violin solos by Itzhak Perlman, brought him a fifth Oscar.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓