Jonny Greenwood

From the evocative soundscapes of his early days in Radiohead to compositions that have expanded what it means to score a film, Jonny Greenwood remains a musical force of unrivaled versatility and innovation. Behind his modest demeanor lies a master of both electronic and orchestral composition, a testament to a career built on sweeping sonic vision and a penchant for defying expectations. Born Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood on November 5, 1971, in Oxford, England, Jonny Greenwood’s musical inclinations were evident from an early age. Immersed in the vibrancy of Oxford's music scene, he quickly gravitated to a diverse range of sounds. His classical training in viola, which began in his early school years, set the stage for a lifelong fascination with both the structure and emotive power of music. However, it was in the vibrant environs of Abingdon School that a fateful meeting with Thom Yorke, Ed O'Brien, Colin Greenwood (his elder brother), and Phil Selway would set the trajectory of his career through their iconic collaboration: Radiohead. Greenwood’s role as the band's lead guitarist and multifaceted instrumentalist became pivotal as Radiohead's star ascended following the global success of their 1992 single "Creep." But it was with their third album, "OK Computer" in 1997, that Greenwood's genius began to unfurl on a larger canvas. His innovative use of electronic textures and unconventional instruments mirrored the album’s themes of alienation and dystopia, drawing critical admiration for his ability to weave complex, layered compositions with emotional depth. With Radiohead’s rising acclaim, Greenwood's drive to explore music beyond the constraints of rock became increasingly evident. He delved into the avant-garde, fusing electronic music with orchestral arrangements. The turn of the millennium marked Greenwood's foray into the realm of classical music. In 2003, he was appointed Composer in Residence with the BBC Concert Orchestra, a role that forged a path to his first full-length orchestral work, "Smear," a clarinet quintet that bristled with dynamic tension and complex harmonies. As Radiohead continued to push the boundaries of alternative rock, notably with their Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) albums, Greenwood's compositions took on an increasingly cinematic scope. It’s no surprise then that the film industry came calling. Greenwood ventured into film scoring with his debut for Lynne Ramsay's "Morvern Callar" in 2002, but it was his lush and haunting score for Paul Thomas Anderson's "There Will Be Blood" in 2007 that firmly cemented his reputation. The score, a blend of dissonant strings and minimalist themes, was lauded for its originality, earning both a Grammy nod and the admiration of critics and directors alike. His work for the film even sparked critical reevaluation of what defines an effective film score due to its seamless merging of traditional orchestration with modern sensibilities. Greenwood’s partnership with Anderson proved a creative boon. Subsequent collaborations included "The Master" (2012), "Inherent Vice" (2014), and "Phantom Thread" (2017), each score a testament to Greenwood's ability to sway emotions with an artfully crafted blend of sound and silence. Notable is his work on "Phantom Thread," where Greenwood's orchestral genius is on full display, crafting a soundscape of elegance and tension worthy of the film's high-brow fashion drama. Outside the recording studio and film sets, Greenwood pursued his passion for radio with "Jonny Greenwood's Musical Radar," a BBC Radio 6 Music show that saw him curating an eclectic mix from Penderecki to Ennio Morricone, highlighting his deep appreciation for both contemporary and historical composers. The breadth of Greenwood’s talent also found a home in Junun, a collaborative project with Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur and the Rajasthan Express. Their self-titled album (2015), an exhilarating integration of traditional Indian music with Western influences, demonstrated Greenwood's constant hunger for musical exploration. This project was a fusion of cultures and styles, underscoring music’s transcendent power. In recent years, Greenwood continues to defy categorization, whether reuniting with Radiohead for their introspective 2016 album "A Moon Shaped Pool," or immersing himself in solo projects that stand as a testament to his ever-evolving mastery of sound. Throughout his career, Greenwood has balanced the demands of being both a member of one of the world’s most celebrated bands and a composer of extraordinary film scores without ever appearing to choose one path over the other. In the annals of music history, Jonny Greenwood stands as a transforming figure—a modern polymath whose contributions to the rock and classical worlds are met with equal reverence. As he continues to compose, perform, and explore, it is clear that Greenwood’s legacy will be measured not just by his artistic achievements, but by his unyielding curiosity and profound impact on the musical landscape.