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10 Fun Facts About James Bond Theme Songs

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Which artist performed the first sung title theme for a James Bond film?

The 'James Bond Theme' was the instrumental for Dr. No; the first sung title song was 'From Russia with Love' (1963), heard over the end titles.

Which singer has performed the most official James Bond theme songs?

Shirley Bassey is the only artist to have performed three official James Bond theme songs: 'Goldfinger', 'Diamonds Are Forever', and 'Moonraker'.

Which was the first James Bond theme song to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song?

Adele's 2012 song broke a five-decade drought; 'Writing's on the Wall' and 'No Time to Die' followed it to the podium.

Who sang the theme song for the 1967 film 'You Only Live Twice'?

A German cover, 'Man Lebt Nur Zweimal', was recorded by Gissy Andre the same year.

Which former Beatles producer produced the 1973 theme 'Live and Let Die' and arranged its orchestra?

He insisted the song would only be released for the film if the band that recorded it also performed it over the opening credits.

Which James Bond theme was reportedly so demanding that its singer fainted in the recording booth?

Tom Jones, who sang the 'Thunderball' theme, allegedly fainted in the recording booth after holding the song's final, high note.

Which of these James Bond theme songs is NOT also the title of its respective film?

Carly Simon's power ballad for The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) does at least work the film's title into its lyrics.

Who performed 'You Know My Name', the theme for Casino Royale (2006)?

Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, performed 'You Know My Name' for *Casino Royale* (2006).

Tina Turner performed the theme song for which Pierce Brosnan-era James Bond film?

The song was written for her by U2's Bono and the Edge, and the film marked Pierce Brosnan's debut as 007.

Which rock artist and his band performed the theme 'Live and Let Die' for the 1973 Bond film?

It was the first Bond theme to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it opened Roger Moore's first film as 007.

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