Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia
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* Ben
 
* Ben
 
}}
 
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'''Mike O'Donnell''' (born 10th March 1952) was the co-music composer for [[Thomas & Friends|Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends]], from its debut in [[Series 1|1984]] until [[Series 7|2003]]. He was also the music composer for [[TUGS]].
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'''Mike O'Donnell''' (born 10th March 1952) was the co-music composer for [[Thomas & Friends|Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends]], from its debut in [[Series 1|1984]] until [[Series 7|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".
 
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".
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===[[Series 3]]===
 
===[[Series 3]]===
 
* [[Thomas' Anthem]] {{Note|with footage from series 3 only}}
 
* [[Thomas' Anthem]] {{Note|with footage from series 3 only}}
* [[I'm Thomas the Tank Engine]] {{Note|Japan only; [[Thomas and the U.K. Trip]]}}
 
   
 
===[[Series 4]]===
 
===[[Series 4]]===
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* [[Gone Fishing (song)|Gone Fishing]]
 
* [[Gone Fishing (song)|Gone Fishing]]
 
* [[Toby (song)|Toby]]
 
* [[Toby (song)|Toby]]
* [[Don't Judge a Book By its Cover|Don't Judge a Book By its Cover]]
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* [[Don't Judge a Book By its Cover]]
 
* [[The Island Song]]
 
* [[The Island Song]]
 
* [[Really Useful Engine]]
 
* [[Really Useful Engine]]
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==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
* Mike O'Donnell has said that he does not have a favourite song from the show due to each song having their own charm.
 
* Mike O'Donnell has said that he does not have a favourite song from the show due to each song having their own charm.
* In his youth, Mike was brought up on [[Wikipedia:Tom and Jerry|Tom & Jerry]] and [[Wikipedia:The Flintstones|The Flintstones]], as well as [[Wikipedia:Harman and Ising|Harman & Ising]].
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* In his youth, Mike was brought up on [[Wikipedia:Tom and Jerry|Tom & Jerry]] and [[Wikipedia:The Flintstones|The Flintstones]], as well as [[Wikipedia:Harman and Ising|Harman & Ising]].
 
* Mike does not know how to read sheet music.
 
* Mike does not know how to read sheet music.
 
* Both Mike and Junior had started coming up with music ideas for the [[Series 8|eighth series]], before it was revealed they were not to return.
 
* Both Mike and Junior had started coming up with music ideas for the [[Series 8|eighth series]], before it was revealed they were not to return.
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==External Links==
 
==External Links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyqzslvDyXX1GlEwfCBla2Q YouTube channel]
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* [https://www.youtube.com/user/modboats/ YouTube channel]
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* [https://music.apple.com/artist/mike-odonnell/461843164 Apple Music]
* [http://www.sodor-island.net/mikeodonnell.html SiF's interview with Mike O'Donnell]
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181031162349/http://www.sodor-island.net/mikeodonnell.html SiF's interview with Mike O'Donnell]
 
* [https://soundcloud.com/user-85603316/kids-tv-podcast-episode-3-interview-with-mike-odonnell-co-composer-of-thomas-the-tank-engine Joseph Marshall's interview with Mike O'Donnell]
 
* [https://soundcloud.com/user-85603316/kids-tv-podcast-episode-3-interview-with-mike-odonnell-co-composer-of-thomas-the-tank-engine Joseph Marshall's interview with Mike O'Donnell]
 
[[es:Mike O'Donnell]]
 
[[es:Mike O'Donnell]]

Revision as of 16:32, 2 January 2020


Mike O'Donnell (born 10th March 1952) was the 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.

Compositions

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

Series 7

Trivia

  • Mike O'Donnell has said that he does not 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 Harman & Ising.
  • Mike does not know how to read sheet music.
  • Both Mike and Junior had started coming up with music ideas for the eighth series, before it was revealed they were not to return.
  • Sometimes on his YouTube channel, Mike releases re-recordings of certain characters themes or songs.
  • He used the beat for Mean Mr. Mustard by the Beatles as an inspiration for the original theme tune in hopes of having Ringo sing an extended near-three minute rendition with lyrics.
  • Contrary to popular belief, he and Junior did not compose the jingle for The Britt Allcroft Company logo.

Gallery

Songs

External Links