Seven songs that shaped Kris Bowers, the composer behind ‘Bridgerton’

Even if you don’t know Kris Bowers by name, you’ve almost certainly heard his work. He composed scores for “The Wild Robot,” “King Richard,” and other films, as well as for the TV series “Bridgerton.” (The new season premieres Jan. 29.) But on this episode of “Life in Seven Songs,” the focus is not the soundtrack. It’s the private playlist — the songs that shaped Bowers before anyone put his name in the credits.



Bowers’ music education started early, with his parents’ ambition. Neither had more than a high school education, and they wanted their son to have opportunities they did not. Their chosen avenue was the piano. Bowers began a rigorous training program when he was just 4 years old. He says his parents’ idea was straightforward: He would get so good at piano that he would earn a scholarship to a great college, then become a lawyer.



That plan held until Bowers discovered his own dream: composing for film.



Here’s Bowers’ playlist:




1.


John Williams, “Theme from Jurassic Park”




2.


Earth, Wind & Fire, “Reasons”




3.


NSYNC, “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You”




4.


Oscar Peterson Trio, “Roundalay”




5.


Aretha Franklin, “Mary, Don’t You Weep”




6.


Death Cab for Cutie, “Passenger Seat”




7.


The Cinematic Orchestra, “To Build a Home”