Music is all around us. We hear it in the car, while shopping, and in movies. When we think of our favorite songs, we often associate them with the singers. But many times, the songs are actually written by someone else. Dean Pitchford, a songwriter from Hawaii, is well-known for his work on the movies “Fame” and “Footloose.”
Pitchford’s journey as a songwriter began in an unexpected way. While in college, he was writing poetry that a friend suggested could be turned into song lyrics. This led to his involvement in the hit movie “Fame.” Despite not being initially hired to write songs for the film, Pitchford and Michael Gore ended up writing three songs for it.
One of the most iconic songs from “Fame” is “I Sing the Body Electric.” The inspiration for this song came to Pitchford while he was walking to a friend’s house in New York City. He remembered a line from Walt Whitman’s poem and rushed to write the lyrics down on a piece of paper in a bathroom.
After the success of “Fame,” Pitchford went on to work on “Footloose.” The idea for this movie came from a newspaper article about a town in Oklahoma that had just lifted its ban on dancing after 88 years. This inspired Pitchford to create a story around the concept of music in unexpected places.
Unlike “Fame,” none of the songs for “Footloose” were written before filming began. Pitchford collaborated with artists like Kenny Loggins, Tom Snow, and Sammy Hagar to create the soundtrack for the film. Many of the songs from the movie, like “Holding Out for a Hero,” have had a lasting impact and have been featured in various other media.
In addition to his work on movie soundtracks, Pitchford has also written songs for artists like Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston. Seeing others perform his songs has brought him great joy and pride. In 2024, Pitchford was honored with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, adding to his long list of achievements.
Overall, Dean Pitchford’s journey as a songwriter is a testament to the power of music and collaboration. His ability to create timeless songs that resonate with audiences is a true talent that has left a lasting impact on the music industry.