John Williams

Five Academy Awards. 53 nominations. Every Spielberg film from 1974 onward. His music is played at the Olympics, at graduations, at funerals. Most people can hum at least three of his themes without knowing his name.

Worked as a studio pianist in Hollywood. Played on soundtracks for dozens of films, including some Henry Mancini scores and episodes of Gilligan's Island. He was 26 and anonymous.

Scored Fiddler on the Roof and won his first Academy Award. Steven Spielberg, then a 24-year-old TV director, took notice.

Composed the score for Jaws. Those two alternating notes became the most recognizable thriller motif in cinema. The film made $470 million. Williams won his second Oscar.

Star Wars. The score used a full symphony orchestra when synthesizers were the fashion. The main theme, the Imperial March, Leia's theme. Williams made George Lucas's space opera feel like mythology.

Became conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, succeeding Arthur Fiedler. Held the post for 13 seasons while continuing to score films. Indiana Jones, E.T., Superman. He barely slept.

Composed the first three Harry Potter film scores. With 52 Oscar nominations by this point, second only to Walt Disney. Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park. All his.