Mike O'Donnell

Mike O'Donnell
Biographical Background
Born	10th March 1952
Nationality	English
Occupation	Composer
Spouse(s)	Barbara
Children	Sian Ben

Mike O'Donnell (born on 10th March 1952) is an English composer, songwriter and musician. He 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.

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

Compositions

Series 3

• Thomas' Anthem (with footage from series 3 only)

Series 4

• Thomas' Anthem (with footage from series 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

Series 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

Series 6

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

Series 7

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

Trivia

• According to a Tweet from Mike, he and Junior composed the music with Proteus 1 and 2xr, and 2000 modules, Prophet 2000 Sampler, Yamaha rx5 Drum module, Yamaha Grand Piano, and Rickenbacker Bass Guitar to compose Series 1 all the way to Series 7.  To add up, the Jupiter 6 was used from Series 1-2.
• Mike O'Donnell has said that he does not have a favourite song from the show due to each song having their own sense of charm.
• In his youth, Mike was brought up on his favourite American cartoons Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones, as well as Harman and Ising.
• In real life, 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. Gordon's original theme is an example of this.
• He based the original theme tune on the feel of Mean Mr. Mustard by the Beatles with the thought in mind of having Ringo Starr 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.
• Mike, along with Junior Campbell, were both the voices of the Troublesome Trucks from Series 2 to Series 7, but at a higher pitch. However, Junior did both their giggling and their singing voices in the songs Pop Goes the Diesel and Pop Goes Old Ollie while Mike only did their giggling.

Gallery

Mike O'Donnell with Britt Allcroft, Junior Campbell and Ringo Starr in 1984

Mike & Junior at Shepperton Studios

Mike O'Donnell (far right) and the rest of "Gold"

Covers

Gordon

Edward

Little Engines - Mike O'Donnell

External Links

• Mike's Website
• YouTube channel
• Spotify
• Apple Music
• SiF's interview with Mike O'Donnell
• Joseph Marshall's interview with Mike O'Donnell