Craig Armstrong To Be Honored

Award-winning composer Craig Armstrong is one of seven people who will be awarded honorary degrees this year from Paisley University.

Glasgow-born composer Craig Armstrong studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later at the Scottish Arts Council and was a member of well-known bands Hipsway, Texas and The Big Dish.

He enjoyed a successful career as a songwriter and arranger in the world of pop, creating string arrangements for high profile artists including Madonna, U2 and Tina Turner and writing the hit song “I Don’t Want A Lover” for Texas.

Mr Armstrong made his film music debut in 1996 on “William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet“, winning a BAFTA award in the process.

He is now one of film music’s hot new commodities, leaving his distinctive modern orchestral mark on hit movies such as “Love Actually”, “The Bone Collector” and “Moulin Rouge“, for which he won a Golden Globe.

The seven award winners will receive their honorary degrees at graduation ceremonies later this year.

A Paisley University spokesperson said: “We award Honorary Doctorates to individuals who have made important contributions to Scottish culture and society.
Our recipients for 2004 are highly successful individuals, respected in both the professional and public arenas. Their commitment and achievements should prove inspirational for our graduates”.

Selected Craig Armstrong Credits
Romeo + Juliet – (co-composed original score)

Tina Turner “Goldeneye” / James Bond title song – (strings)

U2 “Hold Me, Thrill Me…” / Batman Forever – (strings)

Madonna “Take A Bow” / Bedtime Stories – (strings)
Madonna “Frozen” / Ray of Light – (strings)

Madonna / Massive Attack “I Want You” / Marvin Gaye tribute album
(strings)

Massive Attack “Weather Storm” / Protection – (piano / co-wrote)

Massive Attack “Heat Miser” / Protection –
(piano / co-wrote)