1953 – Birth of Danny Elfman, Composer Behind “Tales from the Hood” Score

On May 29, 1953, Danny Elfman was born—not African American himself, but he played a critical behind-the-scenes role in Black horror cinema by composing the score for “Tales from the Hood” (1995), a cult classic exploring issues of racism, police brutality, and inner-city trauma. Elfman, better known for his Tim Burton collaborations, lent his musical genius to a film that blended Black storytelling with social commentary. The movie became an early entry into the now-growing genre of Black horror, paving the way for works like Get Out and Candyman (2021). Though Elfman is often associated with gothic fantasy, his work on May 29 births a future contributor to African American cinematic history in a surprising context. Recognizing his birthday within this lens provides insight into the collaborative nature of Black film and the broader network of artists who have helped bring Black narratives to screen.