Watch the trailer for a new documentary film about Disney songwriter Howard Ashman
Together with Alan Menken, he wrote some of the most memorable Disney songs ever written
Underneath the headline-making news that was released at the D23 Expo this past weekend, there was also smaller, but noteworthy news that was made public. One of them was the debut of the world premiere trailer of a new documentary film surrounding one of Disney’s most prolific songwriters.
“Howard” is an independent documentary film being created and directed by famed Disney producer Don Hahn and tells the life story of Howard Ashman. While you many not know the man’s name, you do know his words as many of them were lyrics to some of your favorite Disney songs.
Ashman was known for the songs he wrote for Broadway musicals like “Little Shop of Horrors,”, which ultimately brought him together with composer, Alan Menken. Together, they would provide music for many of the Disney animated films that came out in the 90s with Ashman providing the lyrics and Menken, the music. Their works include the very memorable music to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
The music for Belle and the Beast were the last pieces that Ashman worked on as he was diagnosed with AIDS and ultimately died finishing the music for that film with Menken.
You can watch the full trailer for “Howard” in the video above. No release date has been announced.
