Alf Clausen

It is with a deep sadness that we mark the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Alf Clausen. A supremely gifted composer, conductor, and arranger, his music graced televisions and touched our hearts for close to 50 years. “Fame,” “Moonlighting”, “Alf,” and so many more were made memorable by Alf’s incredible ability to provide precisely what was needed. Regardless of the idiom, Alf had it covered, as was evidenced during his 27 years on “The Simpsons,” where he turned his hand at virtually every style of music with consummate ease. 

A longtime board member of the SCL, where for a period he served as Vice President, he also had a seat on the ASCAP board for many years, and in 2011 was awarded ASCAP’s Golden Note Award, where he led an all-star big band playing his stellar arrangements. The wry sense of humor that permeated his music was merely an extension of his personality, and I distinctly remember the moment during his acceptance speech when he paused, momentarily, to ask, “Will ASCAP be collecting royalties for me on tonight’s performance?” That was quintessential Alf.  

Rest in peace, my friend. We’ll miss you.

Ashley Irwin
SCL President

Read more about Alf Clausen’s career in this tribute by Jon Burlingame in Variety.