Top 3 Most Favorite Film Soundtracks

I am always intrigued by iconic staples in music, my generation in music, and young talent in music receiving critical acclaim - from certification to such award nominations and wins as the Grammy's.  

I am always intrigued by commercial jingles and the possibility of the songs receiving critical acclaim in any way that may be.

Film soundtracks, on the other hand, are historic staples in music that last a lifetime.  Film soundtracks define pop culture at the time of film release in theaters.  A select few composers are well known beyond their years for the impact they had on the music and entertainment industries.

For example -

There is an excellent chance I may be the only one in my generation who immediately recognizes Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.  Henry Mancini is a well known composer for such films as Charade and The Pink Panther (specifically the original version).

Charade (1963)
Starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn
Featuring Walter Matthau 
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
1963 - Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song

Point of intrigue -

Johnny Mercer was an American lyricist born in Savannah, Georgia in 1909.  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) is based in Savannah, Georgia.  The soundtrack is dedicated to Johnny Mercer with performances on the album including K.D. Lang, Joe Williams, Paula Cole, Rosemary Clooney, Brad Mehldau, Cassandra Wilson, Kevin Spacey, Alison Eastwood, Clint Eastwood, Alison Krauss, Kevin Mahogany, Diana Krall, Joshua Redman, and Tony Bennett.

The Pink Panther (1963)

Starring David Niven, Robert Wagner, and Peter Sellers

2001 - The soundtrack album received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award

No. 20 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Years of Film Scores

Point of intrigue -

Peter Sellers defined the comedic role of "Inspector Clouseau."  In later editions of The Pink Panther, Steve Martin took on the role of "Inspector Clouseau" with seamless transition.

In 2001, profound film composition was created for A Beautiful Mind by the well established James Horner.  His legacy is as impressive as Henry Mancini.  In this post, I am featuring "Nash Descends into Parcher's World" - shedding light on mental illness at its rawest.  A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly as well as Ed Harris and Paul Bettany.