Howard Ashman

I am highly recommending a new documentary by Don Hahn, called Howard. It starts streaming today on Disney +.  This is a personal portrait of an artist who had so much to do with what is now called The Renaissance of Disney Animation.It is astounding to see how much original vintage footage Don had available to him to help viewers travel back in time and witness the complex production process of films like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty & the Beast.Howard Ashman was a genius. Lyricist, story artist and all around entertainer. The photo shows him during a recording session with Richard White, who voiced and sang for Gaston,  I did not know Howard well, we had a few brief conversations in the studio's hallways, that's all. I found him serious, smart and very focused on his work. His collaborators were -Alan Menken, of course-, the film's producer and directors, the story artists and Disney management.I remember listening to early song versions for The Little Mermaid, before animation began. I was in awe and beyond inspired by Alan's tunes but also by Howard's lyrics, so witty, rich with personality, always moving the story forward.What a joy to animate Gaston and Lefou waltzing through the pub during the drinking song. All of us animators were absolutely thrilled to work with such outstanding material.So, go watch Don Hahn's Howard. You'll get a front row seat into the mind of this complex, creative genius.