A Remembrance
by John Morgan
I have known Tony Thomas for nearly 30 years. His many books and articles on film music have served as a firm
foundation for the renaissance of classic symphonic film music recordings, starting in the early seventies. He loved
film and film music and shared his passion and knowledge with the world.
In 1992, Tony introduced me to Klaus Heymann of Marco Polo Records and virtually got me my first "job" as a
film music reconstructor. Some of my best and fondest memories of Tony are when conductor Bill Stromberg and I
would have Tony come over and we would play tapes of some recent film music recording we did. As Tony got into
the music, he would shut his eyes and start "conducting" the music. It didn't matter that he conducted everything in
three-four time, his conducting signified his approval and love of the music. I am proud that Tony's liner notes have
adorned seven of our releases.
Tony was a true gentleman. He gave freely of his time, talent and experience. The word "No" was not in his
vocabulary. I can't even begin to count how many times he has contributed writings to albums for little or no
remuneration. His liner notes for many film music recordings will always be a model of wit, knowledge and
perspective.
Two of Tony's dream projects were complete recordings of Erich Korngold's Devotion and Max Steiner's
They Died With Their Boots On. Both of these recordings have been scheduled and both will be dedicated
to Tony.
I lost a dear friend, but the Film and Film Music world has lost a true icon. When you hear a recording of such
composers as Korngold, Steiner, Rozsa, Newman, etc., chances are very good that Tony was involved in a
significant way. Although Tony is gone, his contributions will be with us forever.
Goodbye old friend.
John W. Morgan
Tarzana, California
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