ENNIO MORRICONE - MORRICONE: 'I'LL NEVER RETIRE'

Veteran composer ENNIO MORRICONE insists he will never retire because he can't imagine another way of life. The 78-year-old, who will receive an honorary Academy Award later this month (FEB07), has written more than 400 movie scores in a career spanning nearly five decades. He tells Billboard, "I could retire, but I have to admit I enjoy doing this. I like music, I like working with great directors and with friends. "What better way is there for me to express myself?"