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"Born Free" is a popular song with music by John Barry, and lyrics by Don Black. It was written for the 1966 film of the same name and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Lyricist Don Black managed British singer Matt Monro at the time, and he and Barry asked him to record the song for the film's soundtrack. The producers of the film considered the song uncommercial, however, and deleted it from the print shown at its Royal Command premiere in London. When Monro, who attended the event, made Black aware of the edit, they lobbied the producers to restore it, citing the burgeoning commercial success of the song. Monro's interpretation appears over the closing credits in a shortened version recorded especially for the film, which enabled it to qualify for the Academy Award. Monro's complete commercial recording was released on the film's soundtrack album and became the singer's signature tune for the remainder of his career.

Both Roger Williams and Andy Williams recorded cover versions - the Williams version reached #7 pop, #1 easy listening and appeared on the Vic Reeves album I Will Cure You, while the Williams version was not released as a single and, thus, did not qualify for chart status.

Other recordings have included an instrumental version of the song was recorded by Hank Marvin in 1969 and released both as a single and on his eponymous album; calypso singer Mighty Sparrow's collaboration with Byron Lee for their 1969 album Only A Fool, and a recording by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir featured in the 2005 film Madagascar. It was also featured on the 2007 soundtrack Dexter: Music From the Television Series.

[edit] External links

• George Adamson information website with photos, letters and much information and featuring Elsa the Lioness.

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