Angelo Badalamenti
Angelo Daniel Badalamenti was born on March 22, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. He was a distinguished composer renowned for his collaboration with filmmaker David Lynch, creating iconic scores for films such as "Blue Velvet" (1986), "Twin Peaks" (1990), "Wild at Heart" (1990), "Lost Highway" (1997), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). His work on "Twin Peaks" earned him a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Pop Performance in 1990, with its haunting theme becoming a benchmark in TV soundtracks.
Badalamenti's career began with his education at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in 1960. Initially working as a seventh-grade teacher, he soon transitioned into the music industry, writing songs for artists like Nina Simone and Nancy Wilson. His first film scoring job was for "Gordon’s War" in 1973.
His partnership with Lynch began when he was brought on as a vocal coach for Isabella Rossellini in "Blue Velvet," eventually composing the entire score. This collaboration became a defining aspect of his career, with Lynch describing their creative process as a seamless blend of conversation and spontaneous musical creation.
Badalamenti also worked with a wide array of artists, including David Bowie, Liza Minnelli, and Paul McCartney, showcasing his versatility across genres. He passed away on December 11, 2022, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of evocative and enduring music. He was married to Lonny Irgens and had two children, Danielle and André Badalamenti.