Butch Hartman
At a Glance
- Butch Hartman honored late composer Guy Moon after his death at 63.
- Guy Moon scored every episode of The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom.
- The animated series ran from 2001-2017, becoming Nickelodeon’s second-longest-running show.
- Why it matters: The story highlights the collaborative creativity behind beloved cartoons and pays homage to a key musical talent.
Butch Hartman recently reflected on his career and the music that helped shape his most famous shows. After Guy Moon’s sudden passing, Hartman shared his memories and praised the composer’s integral role in both The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom.
The Rise of Butch Hartman
Hartman’s journey began with work on Johnny Bravo before he joined Nickelodeon’s Oh Yeah! Cartoons lineup. The shorts that featured his early ideas eventually evolved into the full-length series The Fairly Oddparents, which premiered in 2001 and continued until 2017.
He first posted a photo of his original drawing of Timmy, Cosmo, and Wanda on X, noting it was “first drawing ever. Almost 30 years ago.” The characters had subtle differences then, and Hartman referred to Cosmo and Wanda as “fairy godparents,” indicating the concept was still in its infancy.
The Birth of The Fairly Oddparents
The show debuted as shorts on Oh Yeah! Cartoons and quickly gained popularity. Nickelodeon greenlit it as a standalone series after the shorts’ success. The series ran for sixteen seasons, making it the network’s second-longest-running animated show behind SpongeBob SquarePants.
During this period, Hartman’s vision for the characters matured, and the show’s humor and heart resonated with audiences worldwide. The series’ longevity is a testament to the strong creative foundation laid by its creator.
Guy Moon: The Sound Behind the Show
Guy Moon’s relationship with Hartman began in 1996 at Cartoon Network while Hartman was working on Johnny Bravo. Hartman described Moon as possessing “an incredible musical talent” and praised his “amazing attitude, kindness, warmth, overall sense of fun.”
Moon joined the Fairly Oddparents team in 1997, working on the original pilot and continuing through the series’ entire run until 2018. He scored every episode, composed the classic theme song, and produced hits such as “ICKY VICKY” and “MY SHINY TEETH AND ME.”
> “To say that [Guy] was a huge part of my career journey is an understatement. He wasn’t just a part of it; he was fused with it. There’s no Butch Hartman Show without Guy Moon.”
Hartman emphasized that Moon’s music was involved in “every episode, every song, every note.” He noted that while The Fairly Oddparents was still running, he handed Moon a new project, Danny Phantom, which Moon accepted and scored seamlessly.
Moon’s Key Contributions
- Scored every episode of The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom.
- Composed the Fairly Oddparents theme song.
- Created memorable tracks like “ICKY VICKY” and “MY SHINY TEETH AND ME.”
- Worked on the original pilot in 1997 and remained active until 2018.
- Collaborated on the Danny Phantom theme and score.
Danny Phantom and Beyond
When Hartman introduced Danny Phantom to Moon, the composer adapted quickly, producing the show’s theme and scoring all episodes. Hartman remarked that Moon’s ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously made the transition feel effortless.
He added, “He slid into it so effortlessly, it almost seemed unreal. He helped me compose the classic theme song and he did the score for, yes, EVERY SINGLE episode.” This demonstrates Moon’s versatility and dedication to Hartman’s creative vision.
Legacy and Impact
Hartman’s tribute underscores the importance of behind-the-scenes talent in animation. Guy Moon’s music not only complemented the visual storytelling but also became a defining element of the shows’ identities.
The partnership between Hartman and Moon exemplifies how collaborative efforts can elevate a series from a simple concept to a cultural touchstone. Their combined work continues to influence new generations of animators and composers.
Key Takeaways
- Butch Hartman honored Guy Moon’s musical legacy after his death at 63.
- Moon scored every episode of The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom.
- The shows ran from 2001-2017, solidifying their place in Nickelodeon history.
- The collaboration highlights the critical role of music in animated storytelling.
Hartman’s reflections remind fans that the magic of cartoons extends beyond animation to the melodies that accompany them. The partnership with Guy Moon will be remembered as a cornerstone of the shows’ enduring success.
The story was reported by Daniel J. Whitman for News Of Los Angeles.
