Trivia

In addition to being a prolific composer of music for film, he has quite a career as a songwriter. His first successes were with Nina Simone. He reportedly stopped by her office unannounced and asked if she would record his songs "I Hold No Grudge" and "He Ain't Comin' Home No More" by singing them for her a cappella. She said yes on the spot. Since then, he has gone on to write songs for or collaborate with many notables such as Tim Booth, Marianne Faithfull, Julee Cruise, and Dolores O'Riordan.

Badalamenti composed the iconic music for Twin Peaks on an old Fender Rhodes electric piano.

Collaborated with numerous famous singers across multiple genres, including Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Shirley Bassey, Patti Austin, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithfull, Liza Minnelli and Roberta Flack.

A few of his collaborations with John Clifford were recorded by jazz/soul singer Nina Simone: "Another Spring", "He Ain't Comin' Home No More", and "I Hold No Grudge".

Composed pop songs with John Clifford under the name Andy Badale.

Recipient of the prestigious Henry Mancini Award from ASCAP.

Badalamenti was raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. His father, from Sicily, owned a fish market. An uncle, Vinnie Badale, played trumpet with bandleaders Benny Goodman and Harry James.

Graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with his bachelor's and master's degrees in 1960.

Graduated from Eastman School of Music.