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John Carpenter

John Carpenter

Musician · US · b. 1948

horror filmscience fiction filmscience fiction horror film
▸ Source: MusicBrainz
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John Carpenter is an acclaimed American filmmaker, composer, and actor, born in 1948.

He is widely recognized as a master of the horror genre, particularly for his work in the 1970s and 1980s.

Carpenter has received several prestigious awards, including the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Based on: Wikidata, Wikipedia

Biography

Early Life

John Howard Carpenter was born on January 16, 1948, in Carthage, New York. He grew up in a family deeply connected to music, as his father was a music professor. The family moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1953, where Carpenter developed an early interest in films, particularly influenced by the works of Howard Hawks and John Ford, as well as low-budget horror films of the 1950s. By the age of 14, he was already making short films, showcasing his passion for filmmaking. After graduating from high school, he pursued English and History at Western Kentucky University before transferring to the USC School of Cinematic Arts to study filmmaking.

Career

Carpenter's career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He gained recognition for his short film "The Resurrection of Broncho Billy," which won an Academy Award. His first major film, "Dark Star" (1974), was a science-fiction comedy that showcased his ability to create compelling narratives on a low budget. Carpenter is best known for his work in the horror genre, particularly with the iconic film "Halloween" (1978), which he not only directed but also scored. His minimalist style and synthesized scores have become hallmarks of his films, influencing the horror genre significantly. Over the years, Carpenter has released several albums, including "Lost Themes" and "Halloween: Music From the Films of John Carpenter," further solidifying his legacy as a composer.

Personal Life

Carpenter's personal life has been intertwined with his career. He was married to actress Adrienne Barbeau from 1979 to 1984, during which time she appeared in several of his films. He later married film producer Sandy King in 1990, who has collaborated with him on various projects. Carpenter is also a father to Cody Carpenter, who has followed in his father's footsteps as a musician and composer. Beyond filmmaking, Carpenter has expressed his admiration for video games as an art form, particularly enjoying titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and the F.E.A.R. series. His contributions to cinema were recognized at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where he received the Golden Coach Award, celebrating his status as a creative genius in the film industry.

Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed

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Discography

Albums
CathedralCathedral2026
  1. 1.Primeval5:13
  2. 2.Identity3:33
  3. 3.Inside Out4:53
  4. 4.Abandoned Cathedral1:31
  5. 5.Elevator3:33
  6. 6.Elevator Two3:03
  7. 7.Desolation in the Underworld1:51
  8. 8.The Mapmaker2:06
  9. 9.The Ferryman3:27
  10. 10.Lord of the Underground4:34
  11. 11.Death of the Mapmaker1:16
  12. 12.Back to Ruins3:00
  13. 13.Revenge3:27
  14. 14.Resolution3:50
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Halloween: The Complete Expanded CollectionHalloween: The Complete Expanded Collection2025
  1. 1.Intro1:17
  2. 2.Aaron Meets Michael2:41
  3. 3.Halloween Theme3:04
  4. 4.Laurie’s Theme0:47
  5. 5.Aaron and Dana Enter Laurie’s Compound1:05
  6. 6.Laurie’s Past1:09
  7. 7.Prison Montage2:49
  8. 8.Laurie Breaks Down1:28
  9. 9.Karen’s Flashback0:45
  10. 10.Lumpy Explores Crash0:37
  11. 11.Michael Kills0:35
  12. 12.Hawkins Arrives at Crash Site1:32
  13. 13.Dana’s in the Shower0:40
  14. 14.The Story of Judith’s Death0:58
  15. 15.The Gas Station1:18
  16. 16.Michael Kills Again3:47
  17. 17.Gas Station Aftermath1:06
  18. 18.The Shape Returns3:33
  19. 19.The Boogeyman1:08
  20. 20.The Shape Kills0:53
  21. 21.Hawkins Called to Babysitter’s House2:12
  22. 22.Laurie Sees the Shape1:15
  23. 23.Babysitter Aftermath0:50
  24. 24.Sartain Meets Laurie1:05
  25. 25.Looking for Allyson1:08
  26. 26.Wrought Iron Fence0:50
  27. 27.The Shape Hunts Allyson1:01
  28. 28.Talking to Cops0:34
  29. 29.Allyson Discovered1:28
  30. 30.Gun Closet1:04
  31. 31.Halloween Theme (I’ve Got Eyes)0:46
  32. 32.Sartain’s Gone Mad2:56
  33. 33.Say Something3:04
  34. 34.Through the Woods1:09
  35. 35.Ray’s Goodbye1:41
  36. 36.The Shape Attacks Laurie0:39
  37. 37.The Shape Is Monumental2:00
  38. 38.Searching for the Shape0:50
  39. 39.Mannequin Panic0:51
  40. 40.Death Drum1:25
  41. 41.The Shape and Laurie Fight1:58
  42. 42.The Grind1:55
  43. 43.Trap the Shape2:13
  44. 44.The Shape Burns1:34
  45. 45.Halloween Triumphant7:30
  46. 46.Logos Kill1:21
  47. 47.Hawkins Discovered1:28
  48. 48.Flashback0:56
  49. 49.Spit0:15
  50. 50.Hey Kid0:24
  51. 51.The Myers’ House0:43
  52. 52.Cops Explore1:23
  53. 53.First Attack1:00
  54. 54.Stand Off1:42
  55. 55.Halloween Kills (Main Title)1:47
  56. 56.Let It Burn1:15
  57. 57.He Appears1:02
  58. 58.From the Fire1:20
  59. 59.Strodes at the Hospital2:27
  60. 60.Cruel Intentions3:38
  61. 61.Phone Call0:32
  62. 62.Massacre2:24
  63. 63.Someone’s in the Car2:50
  64. 64.Halloween Trick1:26
  65. 65.Back at the Hospital2:50
  66. 66.Goodbye Michael1:20
  67. 67.Gather the Mob1:12
  68. 68.Rampage3:59
  69. 69.Frank1:17
  70. 70.Search2:09
  71. 71.Frank and Laurie1:53
  72. 72.Evil Dies Tonight1:15
  73. 73.The System Failed1:18
  74. 74.Blood on the Door1:25
  75. 75.Disturbed Man1:37
  76. 76.Violent Return2:37
  77. 77.Hallway Madness1:41
  78. 78.It Needs to Die7:44
  79. 79.Look at Me0:49
  80. 80.Reflection1:29
  81. 81.Hunting a Killer1:18
  82. 82.Righteous Intentions0:44
  83. 83.Morbid Discovery1:02
  84. 84.Unkillable3:39
  85. 85.Payback2:39
  86. 86.Michael’s Legend2:34
  87. 87.Back to His Sister’s Room0:42
  88. 88.Final Kill0:44
  89. 89.Michael Answers0:55
  90. 90.Halloween Kills (End Titles)3:10
  91. 91.Where Is Jeremy?3:06
  92. 92.Halloween Ends (Main Title)1:46
  93. 93.Laurie’s Theme Ends3:36
  94. 94.The Cave0:22
  95. 95.Tire Slash0:17
  96. 96.Cool Kid1:04
  97. 97.Drags to the Cave0:41
  98. 98.Evil Eyes2:03
  99. 99.Transformation1:53
  100. 100.Because of You1:30
  101. 101.Walk With Me0:57
  102. 102.Requiem for Jeremy1:00
  103. 103.In the Restaurant1:20
  104. 104.Bridge Fight0:30
  105. 105.Kill the Cop2:12
  106. 106.Corey and Allyson1:33
  107. 107.Side of the Road1:04
  108. 108.Corey and Michael1:44
  109. 109.Slap1:09
  110. 110.Corey’s Requiem2:02
  111. 111.Take the Mask1:19
  112. 112.The Junk Yard4:09
  113. 113.Where Are You?1:16
  114. 114.Suicide1:42
  115. 115.What Did You Do?1:16
  116. 116.Bye Bye Corey1:11
  117. 117.The Fight3:49
  118. 118.Before Her Eyes1:45
  119. 119.The Procession3:04
  120. 120.Cherry Blossoms1:59
  121. 121.Halloween Ends3:05
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Lost Themes IV: NoirLost Themes IV: Noir2024
  1. 1.My Name Is Death5:40
  2. 2.Machine Fear4:29
  3. 3.Last Rites4:35
  4. 4.The Burning Door3:21
  5. 5.He Walks by Night4:08
  6. 6.Beyond the Gallows3:40
  7. 7.Kiss the Blood Off My Fingers4:43
  8. 8.Guillotine4:05
  9. 9.The Demon’s Shadow3:31
  10. 10.Shadows Have a Thousand Eyes4:53
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Anthology II: Movie Themes 1976-1988Anthology II: Movie Themes 1976-19882023
  1. 1.Chariots of Pumpkins (Halloween III)3:29
  2. 2.69th St. Bridge (Escape from New York)2:48
  3. 3.The Alley (War) (Big Trouble in Little China)2:38
  4. 4.Wake Up (They Live)3:22
  5. 5.Julie’s Dead (Assault on Precinct 13)1:49
  6. 6.The Shape Enters Laurie’s Room (Halloween II)1:50
  7. 7.Season of the Witch (Halloween III)2:03
  8. 8.Love at a Distance (Prince of Darkness)3:37
  9. 9.The Shape Stalks Again (Halloween II)3:11
  10. 10.Burn it (The Thing)2:23
  11. 11.Fuchs (The Thing)2:12
  12. 12.To Mac’s Shack (The Thing)2:58
  13. 13.Walk to the Lighthouse (The Fog)2:38
  14. 14.Laurie’s Theme (Halloween)2:33
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Lost Themes III: Alive After DeathLost Themes III: Alive After Death2021
  1. 1.Alive After Death4:05
  2. 2.Weeping Ghost3:33
  3. 3.Dripping Blood3:54
  4. 4.Dead Eyes3:26
  5. 5.Vampire's Touch4:30
  6. 6.Cemetery4:11
  7. 7.Skeleton3:13
  8. 8.Turning the Bones3:33
  9. 9.The Dead Walk4:25
  10. 10.Carpathian Darkness5:36
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Anthology: Movie Themes 1974–1998Anthology: Movie Themes 1974–19982017
  1. 1.In the Mouth of Madness5:17
  2. 2.Assault on Precinct 132:56
  3. 3.The Fog3:04
  4. 4.Prince of Darkness3:13
  5. 5.Santiago (Vampires)2:43
  6. 6.Escape From New York3:32
  7. 7.Halloween2:58
  8. 8.Porkchop Express (Big Trouble in Little China)3:51
  9. 9.They Live3:07
  10. 10.The Thing3:38
  11. 11.Starman2:35
  12. 12.Dark Star1:27
  13. 13.Christine4:16
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Lost Themes IILost Themes II2016
  1. 1.Distant Dream3:51
  2. 2.White Pulse4:21
  3. 3.Persia Rising3:40
  4. 4.Angel’s Asylum4:17
  5. 5.Hofner Dawn3:15
  6. 6.Windy Death3:40
  7. 7.Dark Blues4:16
  8. 8.Virtual Survivor3:58
  9. 9.Bela Lugosi3:23
  10. 10.Last Sunrise4:29
  11. 11.Utopian Facade3:48
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Lost ThemesLost Themes2015
  1. 1.Vortex4:45
  2. 2.Obsidian8:24
  3. 3.Fallen4:44
  4. 4.Domain6:34
  5. 5.Mystery4:36
  6. 6.Abyss6:07
  7. 7.Wraith4:30
  8. 8.Purgatory4:39
  9. 9.Night3:39
  10. 10.Night (Zola Jesus and Dean Hurley remix)3:39
  11. 11.Wraith (ohGr remix)3:51
  12. 12.Vortex (Silent Servant remix)5:11
  13. 13.Fallen (Blanck Mass remix)6:29
  14. 14.Abyss (JG Thirlwell remix)5:29
  15. 15.Fallen (Bill Kouligas remix)6:15
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The Director’s Cut: John CarpenterThe Director’s Cut: John Carpenter2003
  1. 1.Halloween “Halloween Theme” (End Credits)3:32
  2. 2.Christine “Show Me”2:35
  3. 3.Assault on Precint 13 “Street Thunder”1:22
  4. 4.Memoirs of an Invisible Man “Theme Medley”3:23
  5. 5.Prince of Darkness “Opening Titles”4:12
  6. 6.Escape From New York “Main Title”3:51
  7. 7.Ghosts of Mars “Ghosts of Mars”3:40
  8. 8.Starman “I Gave You a Baby”2:12
  9. 9.Escape From L.A. “Beverly Hills Surgeon General”4:09
  10. 10.Body Bags “The Coroner’s Theme”6:27
  11. 11.The Fog “Rocks at Drake’s Bay”2:23
  12. 12.They Live “The Siege of Justiceville”5:38
  13. 13.Vampires “Slavers”2:33
  14. 14.In the Mouth of Madness “In the Mouth of Madness”5:27
  15. 15.Village of the Damned “March of the Children”8:07
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The Essential John Carpenter Film Music CollectionThe Essential John Carpenter Film Music Collection2002
  1. 1.Escape From New York Main Title (mix 1)4:04
  2. 2.Halloween Theme (mix 1)2:39
  3. 3.Halloween: Haunted House2:54
  4. 4.Starman: End Titles5:45
  5. 5.Big Trouble in Little China: Pork Chop Express4:10
  6. 6.The Fog4:00
  7. 7.Assault on Precinct 13: Main Title3:23
  8. 8.Assault on Precinct 13: Julie's Theme1:53
  9. 9.Christine: Bad to the Bone4:55
  10. 10.Halloween II: Main Theme4:33
  11. 11.The Thing4:31
  12. 12.Dark Star2:50
  13. 13.They Live3:25
  14. 14.Prince of Darkness4:29
  15. 15.Escape From New York Main Title (mix 2)4:11
  16. 16.Halloween Theme (Mix 2)3:09
  17. 17.Village of the Damned6:35
  18. 18.Starman: End Titles (Symphonic version)4:48
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Body BagsBody Bags1993
  1. 1.The Coroner’s Theme6:28
  2. 2.The Picture on the Wall1:14
  3. 3.Alone3:46
  4. 4.Cornered1:41
  5. 5.Locked Out3:11
  6. 6.The Corpse in the Cab3:00
  7. 7.Body Bag #12:16
  8. 8.Brain Trouble4:50
  9. 9.Long Beautiful Hair5:40
  10. 10.Broken Glass1:05
  11. 11.Dr. Lang2:44
  12. 12.The Operation1:15
  13. 13.I Can See1:05
  14. 14.Vision0:54
  15. 15.Vision and Voices4:34
  16. 16.Put Them in the Ground1:22
  17. 17.Vision and Rape2:21
  18. 18.John Randle4:20
  19. 19.…Pluck It Out3:47
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Greatest Hits, Volume IIGreatest Hits, Volume II1992

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Halloween: The Best of John CarpenterHalloween: The Best of John Carpenter1992

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits1992

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Dark StarDark Star1992

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Halloween: Music From the Films of John CarpenterHalloween: Music From the Films of John Carpenter1992
  1. 1.Assault On Precinct 13 - Main Title2:58
  2. 2.Halloween - Main Title2:26
  3. 3.They Live - End Title3:28
  4. 4.Dark Star - Suite2:51
  5. 5.The Fog - End Title3:10
  6. 6.Big Trouble In Little China - Main Title3:37
  7. 7.Assault On Precinct 13 - Julie's Dead2:16
  8. 8.Assault On Precinct 13 - Main Title Remix 12:58
  9. 9.Escape From New York - End Title4:13
  10. 10.Prince of Darkness - End Title3:50
  11. 11.Christine - Main Title3:40
  12. 12.The Thing - End Title4:31
  13. 13.Starman : End Title5:18
  14. 14.Assault On Precinct 13 - Main Title Remix 22:56
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
ChristineChristine1990

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
They LiveThey Live1988

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Prince of DarknessPrince of Darkness1987

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Big Trouble in Little ChinaBig Trouble in Little China1986

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The FogThe Fog1984

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Halloween III: Season of the Witch: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackHalloween III: Season of the Witch: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack1982

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Halloween IIHalloween II1981

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
John Carpenter’s Escape From New YorkJohn Carpenter’s Escape From New York1981

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
HalloweenHalloween1979

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify

Gallery

Label

Record label
Sacred Bones Records

Achievements

Award
Time Machine Award
Award
The George Pal Memorial Award
Award
Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement

Influenced by

Howard Hawks
▸ Source: Wikidata

Groups

  • Texas Toad Lickersbass guitarcurrent
  • The Coupe de Villescurrent

Similar artists

Archive

Passport
Country

US

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Born

1948-01-16

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Instruments

piano, ARP Quadra, keyboard instrument, synthesizer, guitar

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Identifiers & aliases

Also known as: John H. Carpenter

Disambiguation

filmmaker & composer

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
ISNI

0000000121438886

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Description

American filmmaker, composer and actor (born 1948)

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Extract from Wikipedia

John Howard Carpenter is an American filmmaker, composer, and actor. Most commonly associated with horror, action, and science fiction films of the 1970s and 1980s, he is generally recognized as a master of the horror genre. At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, the French Directors' Guild gave him the Golden Coach Award and lauded him as "a creative genius of raw, fantastic, and spectacular emotions". On April 3, 2025, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

▸ Source: Wikipedia
All links
Official Website
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