Renowned composer and lyricist Alan Menken rose to fame for his work on Disney classics from the late '80s to mid-'90s, crafting hit songs like "A Whole New World" and "Colors of the Wind." Menken's career took off when he collaborated with Howard Ashman on successful projects such as the off-Broadway hit Little Shop of Horrors and Disney's The Little Mermaid, earning them an Oscar for "Under the Sea." Despite Ashman's passing in 1991, Menken continued his award-winning songwriting career with Disney and other partners, including Stephen Schwartz.