John Barry (composer) Minster. Serving in the British Army, Barry spent his national service playing the trumpet. During his army service, he took a correspondence course (with jazz composer Bill Russo); he also worked as an arranger for the Jack Parnell and Ted Heath's Orchestra, and formed his own band in 1957, the John Barry Seven, with whom he had some hit records on EMI's Columbia label. These included "Hit and Miss", the theme tune he composed for the BBC's "Juke Box Jury" programme, a cover of the Johnny Smith song "Walk Don't Run", and a cover of the theme for the United
EastEnders theme tune shows since, such as in a "Friends" spoof that featured on "SMTV Live". The drum fill was written and played by Graham Broad. The theme has become widely recognised. A 2008 poll by PRS for Music cited it as the most recognisable piece of music in the UK, beating the national anthem "God Save the Queen". The theme tune was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award in 1985 for Best TV Theme and in 1987 it won the Television and Radio Industries Club Award for Best TV Theme Music. The co-creator of "EastEnders", Tony Holland, was impressed with composer Simon