My name is Paul Sumares. I had the pleasure of working with Joe on the short animation he originally sent to Viacom -- as noted in your interview with him -- "My Dog Zero." I did most of the music on the project and can tell you that, in person, Mr. Murray is a fellow with tremendous wit.
You might find it interesting to know who Joe had in mind to do the theme music for "The Rocko Show" (as it was originally titled). Of course, being a true and loyal artist, he originally fought to have me do the music since he felt like I had captured the style he was looking for in "My Dog Zero" -- but that's not the interesting part.
Viacom hesitated because I simply didn't have the years experience behind me. They asked Joe "Who do you want? Whoever it is, we'll get him for you." Joe chuckled to himself and thinking he'd throw them, thought of the one big-time film scorer whose style he'd been working with me to get all this time...he said, "How about Danny Elfman?" (His credits include Batman, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Dick Tracy, The Simpsons, Tales from the Crypt, etc.; he was formerly a member of Oingo Boingo).
Their reply: "Sure, we can call him up right now." Needless to say, Joe was floored.
Well, as you know, the job was finally given to the B-52s. But other big-time composers were sought as well, including Alan Silvestri (Aliens, etc.) who actually agreed, I believe, but it didn't happen because Viacom really wanted a band, one that slightly older kids could identify with.
(Joe says...)
Most of his trivia is true, except for (and this could just be a
recollection conflict, because Paul is a brilliant amazing guy.) the B-52's were actually
my second choice after Danny Elfman, and Nickelodeon liked both choices, but
Elfman was booked. We did call Alan Silvestri to do the pilot score after
Nick wouldn't let me use Paul, but Silvestri wasn't into doing television.
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