Shirley Walker, 1945-2006

Shirley Walker, composer, conductor has died. She was 61.

This is truly sad news. And very personal for me. Many years ago I had the pleasure of talking with Shirley, and creating a website for her dedicated to her film music. Since then she made maintaining the site a pure pleasure. She was generous, supportive and thrilled that she had fans of her music - and they were many.

Shirley was a pioneer, but she was also an underdog. Her magnificent talents were often suggested by dreaming fans for every blockbuster assignment. Her music often proved more memorable than the films they were written for, a testament to her abilities and her enthusiasm for the art of film scoring.

I wish I could write more, but I am still shocked by this news. Shirley, I will miss you. My efforts on your website will never equal the memories and emotions you have given me both as a person, and through your music.

Ryan Keaveney