Oscar-Winning 'James Bond' Composer John Barry Dead at 77

Five-time Oscar-winning composer John Barry, who wrote music for a dozen James Bond films, including "You Only Live Twice" and "Goldfinger" and developed the twanging guitar riff in the suave spy's theme music, has died. He was 77.

Barry died in New York, where he had lived for some time, on Sunday, his family said. The family did not release the cause of death.

Though his work on the Bond films is among his most famous, the English-born composer wrote a long list of scores, including for "Midnight Cowboy," "Dances with Wolves" and "Body Heat." He was proud of writing both for big action blockbusters and smaller films.

Pentagon discusses steps toward ending 'don't ask, don't tell'

Washington (CNN) -- The Pentagon gave fresh signals Friday that it is moving quickly to end its ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, with the goal of eliminating the policy by year's end if not before.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered that a full plan be on his desk by next Friday, February 4, a "tool kit" for how the department will train and educate the military about the change.

In a memo released Friday, Gates also called the repeal of the policy -- known as "don't ask-don't tell" -- "a milestone event," and said that when the change comes it will be done across the military, at the same time in every branch.