Composer Alf Clausen, who scored the beloved TV series 'The Simpsons' for a staggering 27 years, passes away at 84.
Losing a Legacy: Alf Clausen, The Simpsons' Emmy-Winning Composer, Passes Away
HAVE A CHAT, PAL! Alf Clausen, the brain behind the music that accompanied the animated chaos of "The Simpsons" for nearly three decades, has bid us adieu. According to his daughter Kaarin Clausen, the beloved composer passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles residence on Thursday, at the age of 84. Clausen battled Parkinson's Disease for ten years prior to his demise[1].
Al Clausen was more than just a chart-topping composer; he owned 30 Emmy nominations, 21 of which stemmed from "The Simpsons." His dedicated work earned him a well-deserved victory twice[1]. Al Jean, an early "Simpsons" scribe and a key figure in the show’s 90s creative journey, expressed his sympathies via a heartfelt post on Friday. He revered Clausen as an "incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons."
Arguably, Clausen’s music was the lifeblood of the show's comedy, but he believed in keeping things straightforward to emphasize the humor in Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa's exploits[1]. Variety first reported the shocking news of Clausen's tragic end in 1998. He joins the legendary ranks of Valerie Mahaffey, Loretta Swit, and Opal Suchata Chuangsri[2].
Clausen was born in Minneapolis before moving to Jamestown, North Dakota. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 1966, he ventured to Los Angeles with dreams of a thriving music career. In the 70s, he worked as a musical director for various TV variety shows, including "Donny & Marie." During the 80s, Clausen orchestrated scores for films like "Splash" and "The Beastmaster," following which, he acquired the composing gig on the late-80s ABC rom-com detective series, "Moonlighting." Clausen, who won six Emmy nominations for "Moonlighting," took over the composing job when composer Lee Holdridge relinquished it to him[1].
Regrettably, Clausen was terminated from "The Simpsons" in 2017, in a cost-cutting move. The swift and unpopular decision led to uproar among his associates, fans, and industry peers. Consequently, Clausen sued the production company over his sudden dismissal[1]. Clausen leaves behind his wife, Sally, children Kaarin, Scott, and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, and 11 grandchildren[1].
As we bid farewell to a compassionate soul and an undeniable genius, let's not forget the timeless music he left for us to cherish.
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Seattle's entertainment scene lost a notable figure with the passing of Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who contributed to the music of "The Simpsons." Clausen's talent was not limited to cartoons; he worked with celebrities such as Donny & Marie, and scored films like "Splash" and "The Beastmaster."
