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Menken's Life
(Not much is known about Menken's early life since he was born way before the Internet was formed and widespread) -
Birth!
Alan Menken is born in New Rochelle, New York. -
Childhood
Even at an early age, Menken showed an aptitude for music. However, his family wanted him to be a dentist. -
First Major Professional Work
His first major professional work was with Howard Ashman for the Off-Broadway 1979 WPA Theatre production of the play God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, an adaptation of a Kurt Vonnegut novel. -
First Drama Desk Nominations
Menken is nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music in his work in the production "Little Shop of Horrors". -
Saturn Award
For his work in Little Shop of Horrors (film version), he received the Saturn Award for Best Music. -
First Oscar Nomination
Menken was nominated an Oscar for Best Song, along with Howard Ashman, for their song "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" from their musical Little Shop of Horrors. -
A Very Successful Year
Menken is nominated for 3 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes for his work in The Little Mermaid. He wins 2 of the Oscars and 2 of the Golden Globes. -
Another Successful Year
1992 brought 4 Oscar Nominations and 3 Golden Globe nominations for Menken for his work in the movie Beauty and the Beast. He won 2 of these Oscars and 2 of the Golden Globes. -
Yet Another Successful Year
This time, Menken scored 3 Oscar Nominations and 4 Golden Globe nominations for his music in the movie Aladdin. He brought home 2 more Oscars and 2 more Golden Globes. -
More Nominations and a Grammy
For his work in Beauty and the Beast (Broadway version), he was nominated for a Tony Award For Best Score and a Drama Desk Award For Outstanding Music.
He also received a Grammy. -
Another Hit
For his lovely scores and songs in the movie Pocahontas, he was nominated for 2 more Oscars, both of which he won, and 2 more Golden Globe nominations, one of which he won. -
Even More Nominations
His compositions for the Disney film The Hunchback of Notre Dame got him 1 more Oscar nomination, along with 1 Golden Globe nomination. -
Again, Big Nominations
Menken was nominated for 1 more Oscar and 1 more Golden Globe for his work in the movie Hercules. -
A Special Honor
For all his spectacular work in numerous Disney films, he was given a Disney Legend award! Now he is officially a Disney Legend. -
Aladdin, the Musical
The musical version of Aladdin comes out, with music by (who else?) Alan Menken. -
More of His Works
In this year, Menken composed for the films Home on the Range and Noel. -
Another Saturn
For his work in the film Enchanted, he was given another Saturn Award for Best Music. -
Menken Strikes Again
2008 brought 3 more Oscar Nominations for his work in Enchanted, 1 more Golden Globe nomination again for his workk in Enchanted, and 1 Tony nomination for his work in the stage version of The Little Mermaid. -
Another Honor
For all his legendary work, Menken got his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. -
Even MORE Nominations!
For his work in Tangled, he was nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe. For his work in Sister Act, he was nominated for 1 Tony and 1 Drama Desk Award. -
Currently...
Overall, Menken has scored 8 Oscars, 7 Golden Globes, 2 Saturns, and 1 Grammy, and that's just so far! Although he is 62 years old, he continues to compose. His most recent work was in the movie Mirror, Mirror (now in theaters!).