Scottish-American actor and musician David McCallum was best known in the 1960’s for his role as Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in the the TV spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., which earned him two Emmy nominations and popular sex-symbol status.

Offered a Capitol Records recording contract, the classically trained McCallum did not try to use his fame to become a pop singer, but created an eclectic mix or instrumental versions of hit songs and original compositions.

Today, McCallum’s most widely recognized piece is “The Edge,” which provided the main sample for Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode” and numerous other songs, and was included in the Baby Driver soundtrack.