Beloved 'SpongeBob' composer, music icon Andy Paley (72) dies
What's the story
Andy Paley, a legendary musician and producer who worked with many artists including Brian Wilson, Madonna, Elton John, etc., has died at the age of 72 after a brief battle with cancer.
His representative confirmed his death to Variety.
Apart from working with various artists, Paley also composed music for several hit animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Ren & Stimpy.
Career beginnings
Paley's early life and musical journey
Born in Albany, New York, Paley started his musical journey before his teenage years.
At the age of seven, he wrote The Porcupine Song which was recorded by children's music artist Tom Glazer.
In the early 1970s, he moved to Boston where he formed a band called Catfish Black which was renamed the Sidewinders.
It featured future members of The Modern Lovers and played at Max's Kansas City before signing with RCA Records.
Musical partnerships
Paley's collaboration with brother and stint at Sire Records
Paley later formed a power-pop combo, the Paley Brothers, with his younger brother Jonathan. However, despite their unique style, they never gained widespread popularity.
After the duo disbanded, Paley joined Sire Records as a staff producer where he produced Wilson's 1988 solo album and co-wrote several songs.
Wilson once described Paley as "the most frighteningly talented person that I've met and the greatest musical genius I've come across in many years... maybe my whole life."
Soundtrack success
Paley's significant contributions to film and TV music
In his later career, Paley contributed greatly to film and television music. He worked on the soundtracks for films like Dick Tracy, A Walk on the Moon, Wild Orchid, and A Rage in Harlem, and composed the score for Showtime's series The L Word.
His most recent collaboration was with Tom Kenny in a 16-piece rock and soul band called Tom Kenny & the Hi-Seas.
Family and tribute
Paley's personal life and Kenny's tribute
Paley is survived by his wife Heather Crist Paley, whom he married in 2010, and their twin sons Jackson and Charlie (born in 2012).
He also leaves behind three sisters, Sarah, Brewster, and Debby, and a brother Jonathan.
Kenny paid tribute to Paley by saying: "My friendship with Andy and our collaboration—writing songs and my fronting the band that he formed—is one of the greatest true joys I've ever experienced."