Monday we featured the original song “I See the Light” from Disney’s “Tangled” as part of our “listen to” series. The original music for the track, and for the film, was composed by Alan Menken, who it’s safe to say, has been there, done that with Oscar. (His eight statues are a record for living recipients.)
I’ll be sitting down with Menken to talk “Tangled” and his illustrious career tomorrow afternoon, but it’s worth noting today that he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fittingly, the ceremony took place out in front of The El Capitan Theatre, where a number of Disney classics screen throughout the year, many of them featuring Menken’s work. (Not long ago there was a sing-along version of “The Little Mermaid.” I was so there.)
So congratulations to him for getting this recognition (however political such things may be). It’s a bit surprising that the guy who wrote tunes like “Kiss the Girl,” “Under the Sea,” “Be Our Guest,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” etc., etc. didn’t have his own slice of the Walk. Well, now he does.
[Photo: Broadway World]
Comments
6 responses to “Alan Menken gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame”
An incredible musician… Such a shame Ashman died, leaving our modern day Rodgers without his Hammerstein.
This guy (and Howard Ashman, of course) is responsible for so much of what I now look back on and call my childhood. I’ll always be a hardcore Menken fan.
It’s great to see him recognized on the walk, although I don’t think anyone could argue that his career hasn’t been sufficiently rewarded already.
its about time.
Congrats!
I know that Alan has been earning to have a chance to compose music for a serious film. I hope he gets this chance as it is something I would love to hear.
He sooo deserves it! :)
Well, it’s good timing. I saw “Tangled” yesterday and absolutely freaking loved it. One of the best films of the year, and actually one of the best films Disney has ever made. Far superior to “The Princess and the Frog,” which I found lackluster.