James Horner. His music IS my childhood. That and some Enya, early Sarah McLachlan, and Clannad. I can't believe he's been dead almost a year and I can't believe he wasn't recognized more in his heyday, with the exception of Titanic (sigh. Pop culture. I do love that soundtrack too, but what about all his other works? How did Braveheart not get an Academy Award??!!!). 

Yes, in later films, he did use old material with slight variations and that got annoying, but the soundtracks from the '90s were wonderful. Each of these songs brought a depth and poignancy that defined these movies. I get teary-eyed listening to any of these. Take a listen.