PASADENA, CA. (September 24, 2003) – In a ceremony held today at Tournament House, John Williams was revealed as the Grand Marshal for the 2004 Tournament of Roses, themed Music Music Music. Tournament of Roses President Mike Riffey announced the illustrious composer/conductor as the Grand Marshal who will "conduct" the music-themed New Year's Day celebration in Pasadena. As Grand Marshal, Williams will represent Music Music Music to a worldwide television viewership as he rides in the 115th Rose Parade, and as he tosses the coin before the 90th Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2004.

	John Williams 2004 Grand Marshal

"John Williams is the ideal choice for this year's theme – proof that music is a universal language that transcends all borders," said Riffey. "His film scores are enjoyed by audiences of all ages from Harry Potter fans to Star Wars followers, not to mention the incredible impact he's had on modern orchestra music through his work with the Boston Pops."

John Williams is without a doubt the most popular and widely-heard composer of orchestra music worldwide, having composed and served as music director for more than ninety films including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the Star Wars trilogy, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Jurassic Park, the Indiana Jones trilogy, E.T. (the Extra-Terrestrial), Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, Schindler's List, Minority Report, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Home Alone 1 and 2, JFK, Hook and Jaws.

Williams is the winner of five Academy Awards and has received 42 nominations, making him the Academy's most nominated living person. He has also earned 18 Grammys, three Golden Globes, four Emmys, five British Academy Awards and numerous gold and platinum records. While best known for his film scores and ceremonial music, including themes for the 1984, 1988 and 1996 Summer Olympics, Williams is a noted composer of concert works and was the renowned conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra for fourteen years.

John Williams 2004 Grand Marshal

Born in New York, Williams eventually moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1948. He attended UCLA, Los Angeles City College and studied composition privately with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. After service in the Air Force, he returned to New York to attend Juilliard University, where he studied piano. Returning to Los Angeles, Williams began his career in the television and film industry. In addition to his many musical credits, Williams holds honorary degrees from nineteen American universities, including Berklee College of Music in Boston, Boston College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Boston University, the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Massachusetts at Boston, The Eastman School of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

The 115th Rose parade themed Music Music Music, will take place on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. Following the Rose Parade at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the 90th Rose Bowl Game will feature an exciting match up between two championship teams, showcasing the best of collegiate football. For additional information, please call (626) 449-ROSE, the 24-hour information hotline, or visit www.tournamentofroses.com.