Francis Lai was a French composer born on April 26, 1932, in Nice, France. He is best known for his film scores, particularly for the iconic music in the 1970 film Love Story, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Lai's work often featured romantic and melodic themes, making him a prominent figure in the world of film music. Throughout his career, Lai collaborated with various directors and artists, creating memorable soundtracks for films such as The Man and the Woman and Bilitis. His compositions have left a lasting impact on cinema, and he continued to work in the industry until his passing on November 7, 2018.