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James Bond theme theme composer has a licence to sail on QM2

Monty Norman, famous for writing the James Bond theme tune in 1962 for the first-ever Bond film Dr No – and for composing the whole of that film’s score - has set sail on Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 bound for Southampton.

Mr Norman is likely to be greeted by that famous track wherever he goes during the seven-day crossing which departed New York on Sunday just before “Frankenstorm” Sandy hit the city.

Mony Norman and his wife Rina at the premier of the new Bond movie Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall

He recently attended the world premiere of the latest Bond film Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall and Mr Norman and received a warm ovation in this, the 50th Bond year.

In all Mr Norman’s theme has been heard on 25 Bond films and the latest, Skyfall, has just gone on general release in UK cinemas.

Mr Norman was born in Stepney and as a child during World War II was evacuated from London but later returned during the Blitz. As a young man he did national service in the RAF, where he became interested in pursuing a career in singing.

In the 1950s and early 1960s,Mr Norman, who was born in Stepney was a singer for big bands such as those of Cyril Stapleton, Stanley Black, Ted Heath, and Nat Temple.

He also sang in various variety shows, sharing top billing with other singers and comedy stars such as Benny Hill, Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Harry Worth, Tommy Cooper, Jimmy James, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, and Max Miller.

From the late 1950s, he moved from singing to composing, including songs for performers such as Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele, Count Basie and Bob Hope, and lyrics for musicals and subsequently films.