On May 29, 2025, the world lost a musical legend, Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who shaped the sound of The Simpsons for 27 years. Clausen passed away at his Los Angeles home at the age of 84, after a decade-long battle with Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his daughter Kaarin Clausen. His contributions to the iconic animated series and beyond left an indelible mark on television history.
A Storied Career
Born on March 28, 1941, in Minneapolis, Clausen’s journey to becoming a household name in television composition was paved with dedication. He earned degrees from North Dakota State University, the University of Wisconsin, and Boston’s Berklee College of Music, studying under the tutelage of Oscar-nominated composer Earle Hagen. His early work included composing for big bands led by legends like Buddy Rich, Ray Charles, and Woody Herman, showcasing his versatility across musical genres.
Clausen’s television career took off with Moonlighting, the 1980s comedy-drama starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, where he served as composer and music director for all five seasons, earning six Emmy nominations. He later scored 97 episodes of the sitcom ALF (jokingly noting “no relation” to the titular character) and composed its theme song. His work extended to other shows like The Critic and Bette, as well as films such as The Naked Gun, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Weird Science.
The Simpsons: A Musical Legacy
Clausen joined The Simpsons in 1990, early in its second season, at the urging of series creator Matt Groening, who envisioned a dramatic score to capture the emotional depth of the Simpson family. Clausen’s work became the sonic backbone of Springfield, conducting a 35-piece orchestra to create nearly 600 pieces of music over 560 episodes until 2017. His ability to craft everything from big-band show tunes to genre-parodying songs made him, as Groening called him, the show’s “secret weapon.”
From the jazzy underscore of Bart’s mischievous antics to iconic songs like “We Put the Spring in Springfield,” “See My Vest,” and “You’re Checkin’ In,” Clausen’s compositions brought humor and heart to The Simpsons. His two Emmy wins in 1997 and 1998, along with 21 nominations for the show and 30 overall in his career, cemented his status as one of television’s most celebrated composers. He also earned five Annie Awards, a testament to his impact on animation.
A Controversial Departure
In 2017, Fox made the controversial decision to part ways with Clausen, citing cost-cutting measures and replacing his orchestra with the music firm Bleeding Fingers Music, co-founded by Hans Zimmer. Clausen, then in his mid-70s, sued Fox in 2019, alleging ageism and disability discrimination due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. The decision shocked fans and industry peers alike, with many lamenting the loss of Clausen’s unique orchestral touch. Despite the producers’ claim that he would retain an “ongoing role,” his departure marked the end of an era for The Simpsons.
Tributes and Impact
The news of Clausen’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media. The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean called him “an incredibly talented man who did so much for” the show, while fans and outlets like The AV Club and Consequence celebrated his music as the “sound of Springfield.” His ability to blend parody with originality, all while conducting a full orchestra weekly, set a standard for animated series scoring that remains unmatched.
Clausen’s work lives on in the countless episodes of The Simpsons that continue to be viewed by fans new and old.
Alf Clausen: 1941 – 2025