Alan Menken Quotes, born July 22, 1949, in New York City, is an American composer, songwriter, and pianist, renowned for his iconic scores and songs for Walt Disney Animation Studios films, including The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and Pocahontas (1995), each earning him two Academy Awards. With eight Oscars, a Tony, eleven Grammys, and an Emmy, Menken is one of the most celebrated EGOT winners. His Broadway hits, such as Little Shop of Horrors (1982) and Newsies (1992), and collaborations with lyricists like Howard Ashman and Stephen Schwartz, have shaped musical theater. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, songs, and posts on X—reflect his insights on music, perseverance, collaboration, and creativity, capturing his passion and legacy in storytelling through song.
15 Alan Menken Quotes
- “Collaboration is being open to each other’s ideas and benefiting from each other’s perspectives in an open way.” (Interview, Broadway World, 2010)
- “Dreams really do come true if you keep believing in yourself.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “I will find my way, I can go the distance, I’ll be there someday, if I can be strong.” (Song, “Go the Distance,” Hercules, 1997)
- “Music is a powerful tool that can heal and inspire.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “My favorite thing is a brand-new project from scratch because you really never know how they’re going to come to life.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Songs should have an infectious melody and rhythm.” (Interview, Citatis, n.d.)
- “The key to success is perseverance and a passion for what you do.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “Someday, when we are wiser, when the world’s older, when we have learned, I pray someday we may yet live to live and let live.” (Song, “Someday,” The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996)
- “Having a tradition is a great thing to work within, and maybe today it is the only way to really land musically dramatic work.” (Interview, Broadway World, 2010)
- “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” (Song, “No Matter What,” The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996)
- “I don’t write songs for myself anymore. I only write songs on assignment. It’s purely a business, but it is still so important to me emotionally.” (Interview, PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “When I was younger, I’d get very invested in things. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but you have to know that if you want to find gold, you’ve got to love the process of digging.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Music is a gestalt. Songs are a life force and they have specific vocabulary to them.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The best parts about writing a show are its first, second, and 10th anniversaries. Everything else is relative levels of hell.” (Interview, PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “Disney’s music has always been about heart and hope—those are the threads that connect every song I write.” (Post on X, @alanmenken_jp, 2025-03-03)
Alan Menken’s quotes are a vibrant mix of creative wisdom, emotional depth, and musical passion, inspiring artists and dreamers to persevere, collaborate, and tell stories that resonate. Which quote strikes a chord with you? Drop it in the comments and keep Menken’s musical legacy soaring!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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