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On May 29th, we celebrate Danny Elfman’s birthday by paying tribute to his many career successes, and how it all began. Before becoming a renowned composer, Elfman was bracing the streets of Los Angeles, performing for spare change. He was also the lead singer and songwriter for the band, Oingo Boingo, from 1974 to 1995. It was this band through which Elfman would eventually meet Tim Burton. If you’re a fan of Tim Burton films, then you’re no stranger to Danny Elfman’s work.
As an admirer of Oingo Boingo, Burton asked Elfman to score the soundtrack for Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985), which ended up being Danny’s first orchestral film score, although not the toughest. The score for Batman (1989) is the one that Elfman considers the most difficult of his career. However, it was the bold march for the titles that grabbed the studio producer’s attention. In the same year, Elfman wrote the score for Matt Groening’s The Simpsons, which became a major turning point in his career. Although he worked with other directors, Elfman would eventually find his way back to Tim Burton. The two created a strong partnership and friendship that lead to continuous collaborations.
Elfman’s music can be described as dark, whimsical, and poetic, his scores ranging far and wide in sound. He is a self-taught musician that defines his arrangements as weird from time to time. One thing is for certain, the instruments used in Elfman’s compositions are blended seamlessly together. He has mastered at way of creating beautifully momentous musical scores that amplify any emotions that viewers are experiencing. Over the years, Elfman has composed music for a wide range of movie genres and television series. His work can be heard in comedies, romance, action, thrillers, dramas… you name it, he’s most likely done it.
Danny Elfman is humbled by the awards he’s won over the years, and he doesn’t hold them in high regard. However, it’s noteworthy to mention that he’s been nominated about 75 times in 14 different award associations. Of these nominations, he’s won 35 awards. There is no doubt that this man is talented. With a subject that holds such notoriety in his name alone, it’s difficult to find the words to highlight his career, because his music already does it for you. To alleviate any redundancy, I would like to conclude this article with a list of my top favorite Danny Elfman pieces.
- Beetlejuice (TV series 1989-1991) Title
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) Ice Dance
- Sleepy Hollow (1999) The Tree of Death
- Nightbreed (1990) Main Titles
- Justice League (2017) The Store of Steppenwolf
Don’t just take my word on it. Have a listen here and find your own favorites.
