History of Danny Elfman in Timeline
Daniel Robert Elfman is a highly acclaimed American composer best known for his work in film scoring. He first gained recognition as the frontman of the new wave band Oingo Boingo before transitioning to film composition in 1985. Elfman has since become a prolific and respected composer, creating scores for over 100 films, television shows, and stage productions.
1941: Using Classic Disney Songs in "Dumbo" Score
Elfman incorporated classic Disney songs like "Casey Junior," "Pink Elephants on Parade," and "When I See an Elephant Fly" from the original 1941 animated film into his score for Tim Burton's live-action adaptation of "Dumbo."
May 29, 1953: Birth of Danny Elfman
On May 29, 1953, Danny Elfman was born. He would become a prominent figure in American film composing, songwriting, singing, and music.
1966: Incorporating Existing Themes in Film Scores
Throughout his career, Elfman has showcased his ability to seamlessly blend his original compositions with established themes from existing works. One notable example is incorporating "Welcome Christmas" from the 1966 film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" into his score for "The Grinch."
1976: Richard Elfman Departs Mystic Knights
In 1976, Richard Elfman, Danny's brother, decided to leave the Mystic Knights to focus on his filmmaking aspirations. He produced "Forbidden Zone," a movie inspired by the Mystic Knights' performances, for which Danny composed the music and even played the character of Satan.
1979: Lyricist for Oingo Boingo
From 1979 to 1994, Elfman was the lyricist for the band Oingo Boingo, showcasing his songwriting talent beyond instrumental composition.
1979: Formation of Oingo Boingo
In 1979, Danny Elfman transformed the Mystic Knights into a ska-influenced new wave band, streamlining the lineup to eight members and renaming the group Oingo Boingo.
1984: Release of Debut Solo Album, "So-Lo"
Elfman's musical journey included the release of his debut solo album, "So-Lo," in 1984, a significant milestone in his career.
1985: Release of "Dead Man's Party"
Oingo Boingo, led by Danny Elfman, achieved mainstream success with their 1985 album "Dead Man's Party." The album, featuring the hit single "Weird Science," marked a significant milestone in Elfman's musical career.
1985: "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" Score
In 1985, Danny Elfman embarked on his scoring journey with Tim Burton's debut feature film, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." Despite initial reservations due to his lack of formal training, Elfman embraced the opportunity, creating a memorable score that paid homage to cinematic influences.
1985: Danny Elfman's Rise to Prominence
In 1985, Danny Elfman began scoring studio films, marking his entry into the world of film composition. He rose to prominence with his unique style, drawing inspiration from figures like Nino Rota and Bernard Herrmann.
1986: Oingo Boingo in "Back to School"
Oingo Boingo, with Danny Elfman at the helm, made a memorable appearance in the 1986 film "Back to School." They performed their hit song "Dead Man's Party." Elfman also composed the film's score, further showcasing his versatility.
1989: "Batman" Score
In 1989, Danny Elfman composed his iconic score for Tim Burton's "Batman." The score, which won a Grammy, marked a distinct shift in Elfman's style. He embraced a darker, more orchestral approach, establishing a signature sound.
1989: The Simpsons Theme Song
Since 1989, Elfman has been receiving royalties for the iconic two-word opening phrase of "The Simpsons" theme song, a testament to the enduring popularity of his work.
1990: "Edward Scissorhands" Score
Danny Elfman composed the score for Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" in 1990, further solidifying their collaborative partnership.
1990: Collaborations with Renowned Directors
In 1990, Danny Elfman continued to make his mark on film music. He scored Warren Beatty's "Dick Tracy," Sam Raimi's "Darkman," and Clive Barker's "Nightbreed." These collaborations with esteemed directors solidified his reputation as a sought-after composer.
1991: Elfman's "Scary Names" Tradition Begins on The Simpsons
The "scary names" tradition for Danny Elfman in the opening and closing credits of The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror episodes began in 1991. Variations of his name have appeared ever since.
1992: "Batman Returns" Score
Danny Elfman reunited with Tim Burton in 1992 to compose the score for "Batman Returns," continuing their successful collaboration.
1992: Collaboration with Siouxsie and the Banshees
In 1992, Elfman collaborated with Siouxsie and the Banshees on the song "Face to Face" for the film "Batman Returns." This collaboration was a notable exception, as Elfman generally preferred to work independently.
1993: "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Release
In 1993, Danny Elfman lent his talents to Tim Burton's stop-motion animated masterpiece, "The Nightmare Before Christmas," directed by Henry Selick. He not only composed the film's score and wrote ten songs for it, but he also showcased his vocal abilities, providing the singing voice for Jack Skellington and other characters.
1994: End of Oingo Boingo
In 1994, Elfman's band Oingo Boingo disbanded, marking the end of an era for the group.
1994: Oingo Boingo's Final Album
In 1994, Oingo Boingo, under Elfman's leadership, released their final studio album, "Boingo." The album maintained the band's evolved guitar-driven rock sound, marking the culmination of their musical journey.
1995: Oingo Boingo's Farewell
After a successful run, Danny Elfman made the decision to retire Oingo Boingo in 1995. Citing concerns about his hearing from live performances and a desire to focus on his burgeoning film scoring career, Elfman concluded Oingo Boingo's journey with a series of five sold-out shows at the Universal Amphitheatre, ending on Halloween night.
1996: "Mission: Impossible" Score
In 1996, Danny Elfman composed the score for the inaugural film in the "Mission: Impossible" series, adapting themes by Lalo Schifrin from the original television show and incorporating his own original music.
1997: Alleged Abuse by Elfman Begins
According to a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe XX, Danny Elfman began grooming and sexually abusing her in 1997, with the alleged abuse continuing until 2002.
1997: Start of "Men in Black" Franchise Scoring
Danny Elfman's distinctive musical style was introduced to the "Men in Black" franchise in 1997 when he scored the first installment.
1998: Background Music for Luigi Serafini's Art Exhibition
In 1998, Elfman provided background music for artist Luigi Serafini's solo exhibition, "il Teatro della Pittura," at the Fondazione Mudima di Milano in Milan, Italy.
1998: Scoring "A Simple Plan" Starring Bridget Fonda
In 1998, Elfman scored the film "A Simple Plan," which starred Bridget Fonda, marking a collaboration that predated their marriage.
1999: "Sleepy Hollow" Score
Danny Elfman continued his collaborations with director Tim Burton in 1999, creating the haunting and atmospheric score for "Sleepy Hollow."
2002: Alleged Abuse by Elfman Ends
This year marks the end of the period during which Danny Elfman allegedly groomed and sexually abused Jane Doe XX, according to her lawsuit. The alleged abuse began in 1997.
2002: "Spider-Man" Score
In 2002, Danny Elfman's musical talents swung into Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man." His score, including the iconic main theme, became synonymous with the web-slinging superhero.
2002: Music for Honda's "Power of Dreams" Campaign
In 2002, Elfman demonstrated his versatility by composing music for Honda's "Power of Dreams" advertising campaign, a notable project as it was the first cinema commercial filmed in IMAX format.
2002: Richard Kirk Award
In 2002, Danny Elfman received the Richard Kirk Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to film music.
November 29, 2003: Marriage to Bridget Fonda
On November 29, 2003, Elfman married actress Bridget Fonda.
2003: "Big Fish" Score
Danny Elfman's musical talents graced Tim Burton's 2003 film "Big Fish," further cementing their long-standing creative partnership.
2004: "Spider-Man 2" Score
Danny Elfman returned to score "Spider-Man 2" in 2004, building upon the musical foundation he established in the first film.
February 23, 2005: Premiere of "Serenada Schizophrana"
On February 23, 2005, Danny Elfman's inaugural original concert work, "Serenada Schizophrana," premiered at Carnegie Hall. The piece was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra, marking Elfman's expansion into the realm of concert music.
2005: "Corpse Bride" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"
In 2005, Danny Elfman's collaboration with Tim Burton continued with two distinctive projects. He contributed both the score and songs for the animated film "Corpse Bride," even lending his voice to the character Bonejangles. That same year, he composed the score and songs for Burton's take on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," providing the memorable vocals for the Oompa-Loompas.
2006: Composition of "Serenada Schizophrana"
In 2006, Elfman completed his first concert work, "Serenada Schizophrana." He described the process of composing the piece as starting with short, improvisational pieces, some of which eventually evolved into the final six movements.
2007: Family Guy Parodies Elfman's Orchestral Style
The sixth season of Family Guy, in the Star Wars parody episode "Blue Harvest," parodied Danny Elfman's orchestral style in 2007. The episode humorously depicted Elfman replacing John Williams as the conductor.
June 3, 2008: Premiere of Rabbit and Rogue Ballet
On June 3, 2008, Danny Elfman's first ballet composition, "Rabbit and Rogue," premiered at the Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center. The ballet was a collaboration with choreographer Twyla Tharp.
2008: Public Support for Barack Obama
In 2008, Elfman publicly expressed his support for Barack Obama.
2009: Background Music for Tim Burton Exhibition at MoMA
Elfman composed the background music for a Tim Burton exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 2009, further solidifying their collaborative relationship.
2010: South Park Criticizes Tim Burton's Use of Elfman's Music
An episode of South Park's fourteenth season in 2010 featured criticism directed at Tim Burton's frequent collaboration with Danny Elfman, suggesting that Burton used the "same" music, referring to Elfman's scores, in his films.
2010: "Alice in Wonderland" Score
Danny Elfman rejoined forces with director Tim Burton for the 2010 film adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland," crafting a whimsical and enchanting score.
2011: Collaboration with Daughter Mali Elfman on "Do Not Disturb"
In 2011, Elfman collaborated with his daughter, Mali Elfman, on the film "Do Not Disturb," which she produced and acted in, showcasing a blend of familial and professional partnerships.
October 2013: Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton Concert Debut
In October 2013, Danny Elfman returned to performing on stage for the first time since Oingo Boingo disbanded. He sang songs from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" as part of a concert featuring music from Tim Burton films.
2013: Composition and Vocals for Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor
Expanding his repertoire in 2013, Elfman composed the music and provided English vocals for "Mystic Manor," an attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, showcasing his talent for creating immersive thematic experiences.
October 31, 2015: Oingo Boingo Reunion Performance
On October 31, 2015, Danny Elfman and Steve Bartek, guitarist for Oingo Boingo, reunited to perform their iconic song "Dead Man's Party." The performance, featuring an orchestra, served as the encore for a special live-to-film concert celebrating "The Nightmare Before Christmas" score at the Hollywood Bowl. Coincidentally, it marked the 20th anniversary of Oingo Boingo's final performance.
2015: Start of Alleged Harassment by Elfman
This year marks the beginning of the period during which composer Nomi Abadi accused Danny Elfman of sexual harassment, lasting until 2017.
2015: Disney Legend Award
In 2015, Danny Elfman was honored as a Disney Legend, acknowledging his significant contributions to Disney's legacy.
2015: Regular Performances of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at Hollywood Bowl
Starting in 2015, Elfman began regularly performing the score of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" live with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, synchronized with a screening of the film.
2015: Start of "Fifty Shades" Franchise Scoring
Danny Elfman's musical journey took a sensual turn in 2015 when he composed the score for "Fifty Shades of Grey," marking his entry into the franchise.
2015: "Avengers: Age of Ultron" Score Contribution
Danny Elfman made his presence felt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2015, providing additional music for "Avengers: Age of Ultron." He shared composer credit with Brian Tyler.
October 2016: Elfman Creates "Horror" Music for Funny or Die Video
In October 2016, Danny Elfman composed original "horror" music for a Funny or Die video clip. The music accompanied footage of Donald Trump pacing around Hillary Clinton during the 2016 United States presidential election debates.
2016: Appearance in Documentary "Score"
Danny Elfman was featured in the 2016 documentary "Score." The film brought together over 50 film composers to provide insights into the world of film scoring, with Elfman sharing his experiences and perspectives on the art form.
June 21, 2017: Premiere of Violin Concerto "Eleven Eleven"
Danny Elfman's first Violin Concerto, titled "Eleven Eleven," premiered on June 21, 2017, at Smetana Hall in Prague. The piece, co-commissioned by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Stanford Live at Stanford University, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, featured Sandy Cameron on violin and John Mauceri conducting the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
2017: Max Steiner Film Music Achievement Award
Danny Elfman received the Max Steiner Film Music Achievement Award in 2017, celebrating his remarkable achievements in film scoring.
2017: End of Alleged Harassment by Elfman
This year marks the end of the period during which composer Nomi Abadi accused Danny Elfman of sexual harassment, which allegedly began in 2015.
February 6, 2018: Premiere of Piano Quartet
Danny Elfman's Piano Quartet premiered on February 6, 2018, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The piece was co-commissioned by the Lied Center for Performing Arts University of Nebraska and the Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet.
2018: Elfman and Abadi Sign Non-Disclosure Agreement
In 2018, Danny Elfman and Nomi Abadi signed a non-disclosure agreement following Abadi's allegations of sexual harassment. Elfman agreed to pay $830,000, partly designated for the Female Composer Safety League.
2018: End of "Fifty Shades" Franchise Scoring
Danny Elfman completed his musical contributions to the "Fifty Shades" franchise in 2018, having scored three installments.
October 10, 2019: Premiere of Percussion Quartet
Danny Elfman's Percussion Quartet, commissioned by Third Coast Percussion, premiered on October 10, 2019, at the Philip Glass Days And Nights Festival in Big Sur.
October 31, 2019: Release of MasterClass "Making Music out of Chaos"
On October 31, 2019, Elfman shared his expertise with aspiring musicians through his MasterClass online course, "Making Music out of Chaos." The course features 21 lessons drawing from his four decades of experience in the film industry.
2019: Elfman Surpasses 100 Albums
By 2019, Danny Elfman's prolific career encompassed over 100 albums, including commercial releases of his film scores and the discography of his band Oingo Boingo.
2019: End of "Men in Black" Franchise Scoring
Danny Elfman concluded his work on the "Men in Black" franchise in 2019, having scored four films over the years.
2019: Elfman's "Midnight Run" Score Featured in "Stranger Things"
Selections from Danny Elfman's score for the film "Midnight Run" were prominently featured in the third season of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2019. Tracks such as "Stairway Chase," "Wild Ride," and "Package Deal" heightened the suspense in key scenes.
October 2020: Release of Single "Happy"
In October 2020, Elfman released the single "Happy," marking a return to his solo career. The single was released through Anti- Records and Epitaph Records.
2020: Coachella Performance Postponed
Danny Elfman's planned Coachella debut in 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Political Commentary and Support for Joe Biden
In 2020, Elfman was vocal about his political views, criticizing Donald Trump and the electoral college while expressing support for Joe Biden.
2020: Scoring for Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Elfman's music extended into the political sphere when he scored the introductory video for Joe Biden's acceptance of the presidential candidacy nomination at the Democratic National Convention.
January 2021: Monthly Single Releases
From January 2021, Elfman adopted a unique release strategy, unveiling a new single on the eleventh day of each month. These singles built anticipation for his upcoming album.
August 11, 2021: Release of "True" Remix with Trent Reznor
On August 11, 2021, Elfman released a remix of his single "True," featuring Trent Reznor, the frontman of Nine Inch Nails, further highlighting his collaborative efforts.
November 16, 2021: Composer and Executive Producer for "Rhona Who Lives by the River"
On November 16, 2021, it was announced that Elfman would be the composer and songwriter for the stop-motion animated series "Rhona Who Lives by the River." He was also an executive producer for the series.
April 16, 2022: Coachella Debut
On April 16, 2022, Danny Elfman made his Coachella debut with the concert "Danny Elfman: From Boingo to Batman to Big Mess to Beyond!" The performance featured a mix of his work from film, television, and his solo album, "Big Mess."
2022: "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" Score
In 2022, Danny Elfman delved deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, composing the score for "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." His work incorporated Michael Giacchino's theme from the first "Doctor Strange" film along with themes from other MCU projects. Elfman also wove in classical pieces by Beethoven and Bach, creating a multi-layered and epic sonic experience.
2022: Society of Composers & Lyricists Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2022, Danny Elfman's lifelong dedication to music was recognized with the Society of Composers & Lyricists Lifetime Achievement Award.
2022: Premieres of Cello Concerto, Percussion Concerto, and "Wunderkammer"
The year 2022 marked a period of significant premieres for Danny Elfman's concert works. His Cello Concerto, written for Gautier Capucon, was first performed by the Vienna Symphony in March, followed by performances by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in May and a US premiere by the San Francisco Symphony in November. Elfman's Percussion Concerto, composed for Colin Currie, premiered at London's Royal Festival Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and was later performed at Soka University of America in California with the Pacific Symphony. In the summer of 2022, "Wunderkammer," commissioned by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, toured the UK. It culminated in a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall as a highlight of the BBC Proms, broadcast on national radio and television.
July 2023: Rolling Stone Reports Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Danny Elfman
In July 2023, Rolling Stone reported sexual harassment allegations against Danny Elfman by composer Nomi Abadi, spanning from 2015 to 2017. The report revealed a 2018 non-disclosure agreement involving Elfman paying Abadi $830,000, with a portion intended for the Female Composer Safety League. Elfman's alleged default on payments led to Abadi's breach of contract suit, making the matter public.
October 2023: Jane Doe XX Files Lawsuit Against Elfman
In October 2023, a woman under the pseudonym Jane Doe XX filed a lawsuit against Danny Elfman, accusing him of sexual assault, gender violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, and negligence between 1997 and 2002.
2023: Elfman's Statements to Rolling Stone Prompt Defamation Suit
In 2023, Danny Elfman made statements to Rolling Stone regarding Nomi Abadi's sexual harassment allegations. These statements led to Abadi filing a defamation lawsuit against him in July 2024.
July 10, 2024: Abadi Files Defamation Suit Against Elfman
On July 10, 2024, Nomi Abadi filed a defamation lawsuit against Danny Elfman. The lawsuit concerns statements Elfman made to Rolling Stone in 2023 regarding Abadi's sexual harassment allegations.