Mike O'Donnell

Mike O'Donnell (born 15th June 1952, died February 2018) was co-music composer for Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, from its debut in 1984 until 2003. He was also the music composer for TUGS.

Mike, a bass guitarist and vocalist, worked at the Beatles' "Apple Studios", where his love for music grew stronger after some memorable sessions with several famous singers. He also joined a band, "Gold", who, despite having few hits, sold a number of singles such as "Stay with Me My Love" and "Paradise".

At some point Mike and Junior Campbell signed to the same publisher, and their partnership sparked. They have collaborated on writing television jingles, which continued even after leaving their bands.

The two have composed many songs for the show like Thomas' Anthem, Really Useful Engine, It's Great to be an Engine, Accidents will Happen, Every Cloud has a Silver Lining, and Down by the Docks.

Mike lives in Surrey with his wife Barbera, daughter Sian and son Ben.

In February of 2018, he died from pneumonia.

Songs

 * Little Engines (retake; April 2017)

Compositions
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Season 3

 * Thomas' Anthem (with footage from season 3 only)
 * I'm Thomas the Tank Engine (Japan only; Thomas and the U.K. Trip)

Season 4

 * Thomas' Anthem (with footage from seasons 1-4)
 * Let's Have a Race
 * Gone Fishing
 * Toby
 * Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
 * The Island Song
 * Really Useful Engine
 * Rules and Regulations
 * That's What Friends Are for
 * Thomas' Christmas Song

Season 5

 * It's Great to be an Engine
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Accidents Will Happen
 * Night Train
 * The Snow Song
 * Harold the Helicopter
 * Donald's Duck
 * Percy's Seaside Trip
 * Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
 * Come for the Ride

Season 6

 * James the Really Splendid Engine
 * Little Engines
 * Down by the Docks
 * Winter Wonderland
 * Boo! Boo! Choo-Choo
 * Never, Never, Never Give Up

Season 7
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 * Five New Engines in the Shed
 * The Red Balloon
 * There Once Was an Engine Who Ran Away
 * Troublesome Trucks
 * Salty
 * The Whistle Song

Trivia

 * Mike O'Donnell has said that he doesn't have a favourite song from the show due to each song having their own charm.
 * In his youth, Mike was brought up on Tom & Jerry and The Flintstones, as well as Harmon & Ising.