James Horner: Russell Crowe, Celine Dion and Leona Lewis pay tribute to late composer
James Horner, the Oscar-winning composer best-known for his work on films such as Titanic, Braveheart and Avatar, died in a plane crash yesterday (22 June). The news was made official after his assistant Sylvia Patrycja posted a statement over Facebook.
The 61-year-old musician worked with a wide range of Hollywood stars in his career, including Brad Pitt, Kate Winslet and Russell Crowe in films such as Troy, Iris and A Beautiful Mind respectively.
The 1997 blockbuster Titanic won him two Oscars: best dramatic score and best original song, for the Celine Dion track My Heart Will Go On. Horner was nominated for eight other Academy Awards in his career, for movies as varied as Alien, Avatar and An American Tail.
After news of his passing broke, Twitter was overwhelmed with tributes to his musical triumphs, some from admirers of his work, others from celebrities who had worked with him.
Celine Dion released a statement expressing her grief. The Titanic diva said: "[My husband] Rene and I are deeply saddened by the tragic death of James Horner. He will always remain a great composer in our hearts. James played an important part in my career. We will miss him. We offer his family and friends our deepest sympathy."
Fellow film composer Alexandre Desplat also shared his condolences, naming the accident "a tragedy for all composers." He continued to say: "We have lost one of our most talented and respected colleagues. His music will remain always." Alan Menken, whose scores include Beauty And The Beast and Hercules, added: "I count James Horner among the very best film composers of our generation. His work is stirring, emotionally powerful and broadly evocative. Although we only met on a few occasions, I will always cherish the memory of him and his wonderful work."
Other names opted to post their respects on their Twitter accounts, such as OneRepublic, Rob Lowe, James Wan and Skylar Grey.
My sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of James Horner. #abeautifulmind
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) June 23, 2015Incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of James Horner. I grew up loving his work. He leaves behind a spectacular musical legacy.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) June 23, 2015Omg... I just found out about James Horner... Amazing talent. RIP
— Skylar Grey (@SkylarGrey) June 23, 2015Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 23, 2015There is nothing that shaped my movie-going experience more than the musical genius of James Horner. He will live on through the ages.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 23, 2015#JAMES HORNER composed the score to Volunteers, the movie that @tomhanks & I did in 1985. Beautiful score. Prayers 4 James and his family.
— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) June 23, 2015James Horner was the first film score composer whose name and style I learned. Wrote a few of the most iconic scores of all time. Sad.
— Richard Lawson (@rilaws) June 23, 2015Listening to the #Braveheart score on the radio right now in honor of #JamesHorner. Reminded of what a huge loss his passing is. RIP
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 23, 2015I am lucky to be able to say I was in a movie that was scored by #JamesHorner. Flights of angels dear sweet beautiful mind…
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) June 23, 2015To work with James Horner was one of the biggest moments of my life. He was such a kind soul, I'm so saddened
— Leona Lewis (@leonalewis) June 23, 2015Much respect for James Horner whose "Braveheart" score made me cry my eyes out.
— John Francis Daley (@JohnFDaley) June 23, 2015"If we hold on together, I know our dreams will never die. Dreams see us through to forever." RIP James Horner. You'll be sadly missed.
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) June 23, 2015I"m so sad to hear about James Horner..He scored the first movie I did..Star Trek 2...great composer..great person...huge loss
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) June 23, 2015R.I.P James Horner. U were one insanely gifted composer and writer. Braveheart, Avatar, Titanic-ur music was inspiring & will continue 2 be
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) June 23, 2015© Copyright IBTimes 2025. All rights reserved.
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