Forty years ago, an Italian composer rode into America with the soundtrack for a western titled A Fistful of Dollars. His name was Ennio Morricone. His music had a way of sticking in the ear. It was a bit classical, a bit pop and a lot of it was just plain unusual.
Today, some 400 film scores later, Morricone remains a busy man. He's earned five Oscar nominations over his long career, without a single victory. But he's guaranteed one this year.
For only the second time in its history, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is giving a lifetime achievement Oscar to a film music composer.
Film-music buff Andy Trudeau speaks with Rebecca Roberts about Morricone's work.
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