Harry Forbes (musician)

Harry Forbes was a Canadian musician, composer, and television personality. He is best known for composing the theme music for TVOntario's Magic Shadows, a long-running television program hosted by Elwy Yost, which became iconic in Canadian popular culture.
Early life and career
Forbes was born in Edmonton, Alberta on September 6, 1943. From an early age, his life was deeply connected to music. Forbes was particularly influenced by the broadcasts of Bill Coull, a rock, blues, and jazz aficionado, on Edmonton's CKUA radio. Coull's shows inspired many budding musicians, including Forbes, who was captivated by the wide range of genres.
After developing a passion for music, Forbes attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1965. Berklee, renowned for its focus on contemporary music, provided Forbes with a solid foundation in composition and music theory. Following his graduation, Forbes moved to New York City to further his studies. There, he studied composition privately and sang in the choir that performed at Carnegie Hall, an experience that marked a significant milestone in his musical journey.
In 1968, Forbes relocated to Toronto, where he established a freelance music production studio called Music For Media. This studio allowed him to work on various music projects, creating scores and compositions for television, film, and other media. It was during this period that Forbes attended a groundbreaking electronic music course at York University. The course introduced him to new techniques and technologies in music production, inspiring some of his most innovative and celebrated works.
Notable work
Forbes’ most famous composition is the theme for Magic Shadows, which aired on TVOntario. The program, which showcased classic films, became a staple of Canadian television, and Forbes’ theme song became one of the most memorable aspects of the show. The theme's evocative melody was inspired by the sounds of by artists like the Beach Boys, especially the song "Feel Flows" from their 1971 album '. The song's mood was matched by animated visuals from artists Herbert Klynn. Additional TV work included composing music for programs including Bassie & Adriaan and How Do You Do?, the latter starring Canadian small screen legend Billy Van.
Forbes also composed the score for an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman and created a cutting-edge soundtrack for a documentary based on Alvin Toffler’s book The Third Wave. Both works captured the essence of the digital revolution and its societal impact. His music seamlessly complemented the forward-thinking themes of both works.
Many of Forbes' industrial instrumental works gained recognition in Europe, where they were praised for their innovative sound. Several of his compositions have been featured in recent compilations of early library electronica, showcasing his contributions to the genre. Additionally, in the early 1980s, Forbes contributed to a television library music series titled New Technology produced by Parry Music, further cementing his influence in the field of electronic music.
Legacy
Harry Forbes died on August 22, 2024, at the age of 80.

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