Danny Elfman

Danny Elfman (QUIZ)

Modern Composer/Performer

Born: May 29, 1953

Danny Elfman was born May 29, 1953 in either Amarillo, Texas or Los Angeles, California. Although I suspect the former, as of yet, I have not found a reliable source. He grew up in Los Angeles.

He dropped out of high school and went with his brother to France, playing his violin on the street and joining the Le Grande Magic Circus. He also traveled to Africa during that time. He only stayed about a year due to contracting malaria, which forced him back to the U.S.

After returning home, Elfman and his brother formed the band The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, later shortened to Oingo Boingo. It was while with the band that he wrote his first film score.

Elfman's big break most likely was in 1985 when Tim Burton asked Elfman to write the music for Paul Reubens in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. At the time of this writing, Elfman has scored every one of Tim Burton's films except for "Ed Wood" and "Sweeney Todd."

What's This?"
from
The Nightmare Before Christmas
written and performed by:
Danny Elfman