Bear McCreary
Bear McCreary (born 1979) is an American composer of soundtracks for film, television and games. McCreary has been nominated for six Emmy Awards, earning his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for his work on season one of Outlander in 2015. He has won three, the first for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for Da Vinci's Demons, and two Children's and Family Emmy Awards for his work on Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Bear McCreary

Bearmccreary · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Nationality
- United States.
- Occupation
- composer, musician, film score composer and bandleader.
- Fields
- film score, contemporary classical music, electronic music, rock music, ambient music and chiptune.
- Known for
- Outlander and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
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Bear McCreary (born 1979) is an American composer of soundtracks for film, television and games. McCreary has been nominated for six Emmy Awards, earning his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for his work on season one of Outlander in 2015. He has won three, the first for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for Da Vinci's Demons, and two Children's and Family Emmy Awards for his work on Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
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In this article
Early life and education
Early life and education
He is also a two-time winner of both the British Academy Games Award for Music and D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition for his work on God of War and God of War Ragnarök, and is a four-time Grammy Award nominee.
McCreary was raised in Bellingham, Washington. He is the son of author Laura Kalpakian and professor Jay McCreary of University of Hawaii at Manoa. His brother, Brendan McCreary, is also a musician. Bear has directed and produced several music videos for Brendan's band, Young Beautiful in a Hurry. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1997. He is a classically trained pianist and self-taught accordionist. He studied under the renowned film score composer Elmer Bernstein during which time he reconstructed and reorchestrated Bernstein's 1963 score for Kings of the Sun. Their collaboration allowed for the complete score to be available as a soundtrack album for the first time in 40 years.
Battlestar Galactica and Caprica
Battlestar Galactica and Caprica
In 2003, McCreary worked under primary composer Richard Gibbs on the three-hour miniseries which served as a pilot for the reimagined series of Battlestar Galactica. When the show was picked up, Gibbs opted not to devote full-time to the regular series' production, and McCreary became the sole composer. He worked on the series until it reached its conclusion in 2009, scoring over 70 episodes. To date, six Battlestar Galactica soundtrack albums have been released, and have garnered a great deal of critical acclaim and commercial success. The soundtracks for seasons two and three ranked amongst Amazon.com's Top 30 Music Sales on their first days of release. McCreary composed for the Battlestar Galactica prequel series Caprica and Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome.
Human Target
Human Target
McCreary provided the score for the series Human Target (based on the comic book of the same name). The pilot episode and main theme score had been recorded with a full orchestra. The series has the distinction of having one of the largest orchestras on television. The score to the finale of season one, "Christopher Chance", used the largest orchestra ever assembled for episodic television, and he took the opportunity to rerecord the main title theme with a new orchestration with this larger ensemble. In July 2010, he received his first Emmy nomination for the Human Target main title. In a post on his blog on July 25, 2010, McCreary announced the new creative leadership brought in for season two had not asked him to return for it, and he would be leaving the series.
Black Sails
Black Sails
The opening title sequence for Black Sails was composed by McCreary with a backing sea shanty-inspired theme. It accurately features an instrument of the period in the form of the hurdy-gurdy.
Outlander
Outlander
McCreary has composed the score for all seasons of Outlander. The main title was sung by his long-time collaborator and partner, Raya Yarbrough. In 2015, McCreary was nominated for an Emmy for the pilot Outlander episode "Sassenach" (S01E01; 2014-08-09).
Other series
Other series
During Comic-Con 2010, Bear McCreary attended panels for AMC's The Walking Dead and NBC's The Cape to announce he would be composing the score for both television series. On July 15, 2013, McCreary announced that he would compose the score for ABC's series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. On September 4, 2015, McCreary released the official Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. soundtrack publicly. McCreary served as orchestral producer for the rock opera Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem airing on Adult Swim on October 27, 2013. This is a continuation of the Metalocalypse universe following the band Dethklok. The music features a 50-piece orchestra. The soundtrack was released on October 29, 2013. McCreary also composed the score for the television series Snowpiercer which premiered on TNT May 17, 2020. Snowpiercer was also distributed online via Netflix. The score for the Masters of the Universe: Revelation series on Netflix was composed by McCreary McCreary composed the theme and music for the television series Foundation, an Apple TV+ series adapted from Isaac Asimov's novels. The Season 1 soundtrack was released on September 24, 2021. The following year, he composed the score for the Amazon Prime Video fantasy television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. McCreary, who wrote the score over a period of 9 months, has been a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien since reading The Hobbit aged 10. He called the job "a dream come true".
Video games
Video games
McCreary made an eight-bit rendition of the Dark Void theme, which was, originally, an April fools joke. However, the theme was used for the prequel, Dark Void Zero. He composed all the songs in an eight-bit fashion by connecting the wires on an actual NES console and cartridge to create authenticity. He arranged James Rolfe's The Angry Video Game Nerd "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" parody "You're a Mean One, Mr. Nerd" for the 2010 Christmas special, with orchestra and eight-bit audio elements. McCreary also performed with his orchestra live at Sony's E3 2016 press conference throughout the show and composed the score of the 2018 video game God of War, which shifted the God of War series to Norse mythology. He also composed the music for its 2022 sequel, God of War Ragnarök—as well as its 2023 expansion, Valhalla—for which he also plays a minor character in the game, a Dwarf named Ræb (Bear spelled backwards), who plays the Hurdy Gurdy, the same instrument Bear uses throughout the score for the game. He also returned to score the 2026 side game God of War Sons of Sparta. This game returned the series to its original Greek mythology setting, so McCreary drew from Greek folk music, using instruments such as the kithara and aulos, combining them with elements of chiptunes due to the game's retro 2D style. In 2021, McCreary composed the score for Call of Duty: Vanguard.
The Singularity
The Singularity
In February 2024, McCreary announced that a concept album titled The Singularity would be released in May by Sparks & Shadows Records and Mutant. Co-written and co-produced by McCreary’s brother, Brendan McCreary, who also contributes lead vocals to eight songs, the album features performances by Rufus Wainwright, Slash, Serj Tankian, Corey Taylor, Jens Kidman, Joe Satriani, Buck Dharma, Asdru Sierra, Griogair, Kim Thayil, Scott Ian, Brendon Small, Billy Boyd, Eivør, Guthrie Govan and Bryan Beller, Mike Keneally, Ben Weinman, Steve Bartek and John Avila, Warren Fitzgerald, Esjay Jones, Sigurjón Kjartansson, Raya Yarbrough, Mega Ran, and Gene Hoglan, along with spoken-word contributions from the companion graphic novel (published by Image Comics and Black Market Narrative) by actors Lee Pace, Danai Gurira, and Ryan Hurst.
Theater
Theater
In February 2027, his musical Particle Fever will debut at La Jolla Playhouse. The book is by David Henry Hwang, with music and lyrics co-written by Zoe Sarnak and himself.
Personal life
Personal life
McCreary married singer and songwriter Raya Yarbrough in 2010. They have collaborated on the music of Battlestar Galactica, Outlander, Defiance, and Da Vinci's Demons, among other projects. Their daughter Sonatine, named after the musical term sonatina, was born on June 2, 2014.
Films
McCreary worked on several films providing additional music and conducting for My Baby's Daddy and Johnson Family Vacation before striking off on his own and scoring Rest Stop and Wrong Turn 2: Dead End, both direct to video. After working with Shawn Papazian on Rest Stop: Don't Look Back, the sequel to Rest Stop. McCreary made his theatrical film debut with Step Up 3D. Following Step Up 3D, he scored three films directed by Joe Lynch, Chillerama, Knights of Badassdom and Everly. Everly's soundtrack included a duet McCreary sang with his wife, Raya Yarbrough. McCreary has only worked with a few directors multiple times: Christopher Landon on three films, Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2U and Freaky; and director McG twice on Rim of the World and The Babysitter: Killer Queen. Other notable film scores include Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie, 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Cloverfield Paradox, Child's Play, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. McCreary's latest feature scores include Ava, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Freaky and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. In June 2023, McCreary replaced Thomas Newman as composer for the film The Last Voyage of the Demeter, directed by André Øvredal.
Influences
McCreary credits composers Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Danny Elfman, Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Basil Poledouris, and Shirley Walker as being key to his growing up adoring film music. They were his heroes.

Bear McCreary at the Game Developers Choice Awards 2019.
Official GDC
Primary material
Documents and archives
institutional register
- Bibliothèque nationale de France authority file 156147480
Unverified · Bibliothèque nationale de France
- Discogs authority file 733955
Unverified · Discogs
- GND (German National Library) authority file 1023198746
Unverified · GND (German National Library)
- IdRef (French universities) authority file 153802286
Unverified · IdRef (French universities)
- ISNI authority file 0000000114951657
Unverified · ISNI
- Library of Congress authority file no2009109104
Unverified · Library of Congress
reference work
- “Bear McCreary”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.McCreary, Bear. Masters of the Universe: Revelation. Bear McCreary.
- 2.Television Academy. 67th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners.
- 3.Weisman, Jon. LIVE From the Creative Arts Emmys. Variety.
- 4.BAFTA Games Awards winners 2019. www.bafta.org. 2019-03-11.
- 5.On Bear McCreary's bookshelf. The Seattle Times. 2023-03-28.
- 6.McCreary, Bear. "I Don't Want to Die a Virgin" Music Video!. BearMcCreary.com. October 13, 2011.
- 7.Relyea, Kie. Score for the Stars: Bellingham High grad now composes for 'Battlestar Galatica '. The Bellingham Herald. January 12, 2005.
- 8.McCreary, Bear. ScoreKeeper interviews Battlestar Galactica s Bear McCreary!!!. AintItCool.com. June 7, 2006.
- 9.BearMcCreary.com. Biography.
- 10.Sepinwall, Alan. Sepinwall on TV: Michael Giacchino and Bear McCreary, score keepers. The Star-Ledger. June 22, 2008.
- 11.Ryan, Maureen. 'Battlestar Galactica' provides some Earth-shattering 'Revelations'. Chicago Tribune. June 16, 2008.
- 12.McCreary, Bear. Human Target Screens Today. BearMcCreary.com. July 25, 2009.
- 13.Burlingame, Jon. Emmy Music Nominations Announced. FilmMusicSociety.org. July 8, 2010.
- 14.McCreary, Bear. I Am Leaving 'Human Target'. BearMcCreary.com. July 25, 2010.
- 15.Fitzpatrick, Kevin. Comic Con 2010: The Cape Casts a Mighty Shadow. Ugo.com. UGO Entertainment. July 23, 2010.
- 16.Nguyen, Hanh. 'Walking Dead' reveals trailer, taps Bear McCreary as composer. Zap2it.com. July 23, 2010.
- 17.Boucher, Geoff. 'Agents of SHIELD': Clark Gregg's 'commanding presence' calls the tune for composer Bear McCreary. Entertainment Weekly.
- 18.Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Original Soundtrack Album). Amazon. September 4, 2015.
- 19.Hartmann, Graham. Dethklok, 'Blazing Star' – Exclusive Song Premiere. Loudwire.com. Townsquare Media. October 17, 2013.
- 20.Film Music Reporter. Bear McCreary Scoring TNT's 'Snowpiercer' TV Series. filmmusicreporter.
- 21.Kevin Smith Reacts to Masters of the Universe: Revelations Score. YouTube. February 8, 2021.
- 22.Foundation: Season 1, Lakeshore Records. Soundtrack.net.
- 23.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) TV Series. Soundtrack.net.
- 24.In 'Rings of Power', Bear McCreary Scored the Show of His Childhood Dreams. Esquire. 2022-09-15.
- 25.Yamato, Jen. Exclusive: 'Step Up 3D' Billboard Art Premiere!. Cinematical.com. July 2, 2010.
- 26.Diener, Matt. Interview with Bear McCreary (April 2011). Squareenixmusic.com. April 2011.
- 27.Napolitano, Jayson. Bear McCreary Vs. The Angry Video Game Nerd: A Christmas Special. Original Sound Version. December 16, 2010.
- 28.Davis, Justin. E3 2016: New God of War Announced. IGN.com. June 13, 2016.
- 29.Santa Monica Studio. #GodofWarRagnarok composer @bearmccreary adds a new credit to his name. Tomorrow, on November 9th, you'll not only be able to hear Bear's incredible score throughout your adventure – you'll also be able to meet him in-game! Introducing Ræb 🎵. 1590102096917196800. November 8, 2022.
- 30.YouTube. God of War Sons of Sparta - Symphony of Sparta. PlayStation. February 17, 2026.
- 31.Tucker, Jake. 'Call Of Duty: Vanguard' composer Bear McCreary discusses "raw and exposed" soundtrack. NME. August 19, 2021.
- 32.Bear McCreary - the Singularity. Made by Mutant. May 10, 2024.
- 33.Particle Fever: World-Premiere Musical. La Jolla Playhouse.
- 34.McCreary, Bear. I'm Getting Married!!. BearMcCreary.com. February 24, 2009.
- 35.Malibu Wedding Photographer.
- 36.McCreary, Bear. Sonatine Yarbrough McCreary. BearMcCreary.com. June 11, 2014.
- 37.Barnett, Barbara. A Conversation with Outlander Composer Bear McCreary. Original Sound Version. July 29, 2016.
- 38.Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details God of War. interactive.org.
- 39.Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details God of War Ragarök. interactive.org.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
institutional register
Bibliothèque nationale de France authority file 156147480Bibliothèque nationale de France
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
GND (German National Library) authority file 1023198746GND (German National Library)
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
IdRef (French universities) authority file 153802286IdRef (French universities)
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
Library of Congress authority file no2009109104Library of Congress
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
Partially resolvedinstitutional register
Partially resolved
Every cited source · 10
- 01
Bibliothèque nationale de France authority file 156147480
institutional register · Unverified · Bibliothèque nationale de France
Consult the source - 02
- 03
GND (German National Library) authority file 1023198746
institutional register · Unverified · GND (German National Library)
Consult the source - 04
IdRef (French universities) authority file 153802286
institutional register · Unverified · IdRef (French universities)
Consult the source - 05
- 06
Library of Congress authority file no2009109104
institutional register · Unverified · Library of Congress
Consult the source - 07
- 08
- 09
“Bear McCreary”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
reference work · Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
Consult the source - 10
Wikidata, structured authority record Q621437: Bear McCreary
institutional register · Unverified · Wikimedia Foundation
Consult the source
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