Entertainment · Music · 13 hrs ago
Don Black says royalties from his songs are ‘terrible’
Don Black, an 88-year-old songwriter, says the royalties he receives from streams of his songs are very low.
His work includes songs for five James Bond films, as well as other movies.
Black pointed to lyricist Herbert Kretzmer, who wrote “I Dreamed a Dream” for Les Misérables, as another example of poor returns.
Black said Kretzmer received £1,500 even though the song was a huge hit.
Black also recalled earning £62.50 for helping negotiate a singer’s fee for the Bond theme “From Russia with Love.”
He said he would be pleased to write another Bond song, but expects the job may go to a currently popular artist.
The next Bond film’s song and lead actor have not been announced, and Black said details about the film are kept secret.}
Don Black says the royalties he receives from streams of his songs are paid at a “terrible” rate.
The 88-year-old Oscar-winning songwriter discussed his earnings in an interview with The Telegraph.
Black said lyricist Herbert Kretzmer received £1,500 after “I Dreamed a Dream” became a major hit.
Black also recalled earning £62.50 for negotiating Matt Monro’s fee to record a James Bond theme.
He said he would be thrilled to write another Bond song but expects the next theme to go to a popular artist.
- Who
- Don Black, an Oscar-winning songwriter and lyricist.
- What
- He said royalties from streams of his songs are paid at a “terrible” rate.
- When
- The interview was reported on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Black was discussing the financial compensation he has received for his songwriting.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Herbert Kretzmer’s song “I Dreamed a Dream” appeared in the hit musical Les Misérables.
The Independent reported Black’s comments about royalties in an interview with The Telegraph.
- Age
- Black is 88
- Royalties
- Black described his streaming royalty rate as “terrible
- Kretzmer’s earnings
- £1,500 for “I Dreamed a Dream,” according to Black
- Monro fee
- £250, of which Black received 25 per cent, or £62.50
- Bond songs
- Black wrote songs for five James Bond titles
What people are saying
a terrible [royalty] rate, there’s no question about it
And he got £1,500. That’s all you need to know.
I’d be thrilled.
It’s treated like Fort Knox
Sources
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