Live and Let Die is the soundtrack of, and was written for, the 8th James Bond film of the same name.

Taking a temporary hiatus from scoring Bond films, John Barry subsequently passed the baton over to George Martin. This was the first James Bond film that Barry was, in at least some aspect, not a part of. Barry was then working on a musical and had had quarrels with producer Harry Saltzman over his title song to Diamonds are Forever. The score for Live and Let Die was orchestrated and conducted by George Martin, and recorded at the AIR Studios.

In his autobiography, Martin said he was approached by Saltzman who was impressed by the orchestral backing of Paul McCartney’s demo of the title song and wanted Martin to score the film. Martin agreed but then was surprised when Saltzman asked him who he thought should sing the title song; Martin said that McCartney intended to. Saltzman wanted a black soul singer to match the blaxploitation theme of the film, but a compromise was agreed when BJ Arnau would sing the title song in a nightclub sequence. Martin related how he worked closely with director Guy Hamilton who practically dictated how one of the tracks “If He Finds It, Kill Him” should sound.

For the theme song, Martin teamed with former Beatle McCartney, who had previously been considered for Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. The theme was written by Paul and his wife Linda McCartney and performed by Paul and his group, Wings. The tune, the first “true” rock and roll song used to open a Bond film, was a major success in the United States (#2 for three weeks) and the UK (#9). “Live and Let Die” continues to be a highlight of his live shows, complete with fireworks and lasers.

Track listing

1. “Live and Let Die (Main Title)” — Paul McCartney & Wings
2. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee / New Second Line” – Harold A “Duke” Dejan & The Olympia Brass Band
3. “Bond Meets Solitaire”
4. “Whisper Who Dares”
5. “Snakes Alive”
6. “Baron Samedi’s Dance Of Death”
7. “San Monique”
8. “Fillet Of Soul-New Orleans / Live and Let Die” – BJ Arnau
9. “Bond Drops In”
10. “If He Finds It, Kill Him”
11. “Trespassers Will Be Eaten”
12. “Solitaire Gets Her Cards”
13. “Sacrifice”
14. “James Bond Theme”
15. “Gunbarrel / Snakebit”
16. “Bond To New York”
17. “San Monique (Alternate)”
18. “Bond And Rosie”
19. “The Lovers”
20. “New Orleans”
21. “Boat Chase”
22. “Underground Lair”

See also:

• Bond films: Soundtrack
• Live and Let Die: Film