The multi-awarded composer, with five Oscars awards to his credit, John Barry died in New York Sunday. The English-born composer died at 77.

A statement from his family was released by Bond production company, EON productions sharing their sentiments on the loss of the great British composer.

"It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on January 30, 2011 in New York. "Mr. Barry is survived by his wife Laurie of 33 years and his four children and five grandchildren, " the statement was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The family did not provide the cause of death. But the BBC reported, said AP, that the composer died of heart attack.

Interviewed by BBC Radio, Barry’s fellow composers paid tribute to his contribution to the industry.

"I think James Bond would have been far less cool without John Barry holding his hand," another composer, David Arnold told BBC Radio in an interview, according to AP.

A memorial service will be held in Britain at a later time this year, noted AP while a private funeral is being planned in the United States.

Barry was recognized at the Academy Awards for his films “Born Free” with two statuettes; “The Lion Winter”, “Out of Africa” and Dances with Wolves”. But he became more well-known however for his for a number of James Bond films. According to the Associated Press, Barry has written music for a dozen of Bond films. His earliest work with Agent 007 was with “Dr. No” in 1962.