We’ve had ten directors, nine composers, and now we’re on to our sixth leading actor: Daniel Craig, stepping into the sharp tuxedo vacated by Pierce Brosnan at the end of Die Another Day, and ordering the vodka martini with a broader, brusquer accent than heard in many years.Ĭasino Royale is, in many ways, a re-imagining of the Bond franchise, in much the same way as Superman Returns was earlier in the year. No wonder the franchise is considered to be amongst the most successful and important in all of cinema. 007’s screen history reaches back 40 years, comprises 21 movies, and has a combined box-office gross of over $1.3 billion (or $3.3 billion if you adjust it for inflation). With the title ‘You Know My Name’ from Arnold and many of the lyrics from Cornell, the duo came up with a song that was a perfect fit for the gritty new direction signalled by Casino Royale.Īnd it is no exaggeration to say that the song, with Cornell’s distinctively rough voice, was a resounding success.When you think about it in terms of numbers, the James Bond franchise is pretty damn impressive. Moreover, Cornell and Arnold worked very well together. Arnold soon realised how Cornell was superb for giving the new Bond theme an extra ‘edge’ to reflect the choice of Daniel Craig as a tough new 007.Ĭornell was also able to visit the set early in the filming to get a feel for the atmosphere of the new movie. Lia Vollack, who was president of worldwide music for Sony, suggested Cornell as a possible title song artist to the Bond producers and to veteran 007 composer David Arnold. When he was chosen as singer for the movie, it was something of a surprise to many people at the time. Cornell was former guitarist and lead singer for the Seattle grunge band Soundgarden and the hard rock band Audioslave, but he was keen to embark on a solo career. Barbara, Michael and the rest of the Bond family mourn this tragic loss’. EON Productions, on hearing the news of his passing, issued the following statement on social media: ‘Chris Cornell was a gentleman and a true artist.

officials have confirmed that his death was from ‘hanging by suicide’. The news of Cornell’s death has stunned the music world and his many fans.

The song saw Cornell and Arnold nominated for a Grammy as Best Song Written for a Motion Picture. The 52-year old co-wrote (with Bond composer David Arnold) and recorded ‘You Know My Name’, the main theme song for Daniel Craig’s first 007 movie Casino Royale (2006). The JBIFC is very sad to report the death of acclaimed singer Chris Cornell, who was found dead on Wednesday evening (May 17th).

Theme song from casino royale movie