Who wrote the lyrics for the songs in Beauty and the Beast?

Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for the songs in *Beauty and the Beast* (1991).

Ashman partnered with composer Alan Menken on the film’s musical numbers, including “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Menken created the music, while Ashman shaped the words, character voices, rhymes, and dramatic storytelling that made the songs central to the film.

Ashman died of AIDS-related complications on March 14, 1991, about eight months before the film’s theatrical release. He had seen an unfinished version, but not the completed movie. The film is dedicated to him, and the closing credits thank him for giving “a beast his soul.”

A common mix-up is Tim Rice, who wrote lyrics for *Aladdin* after Ashman’s death, including “A Whole New World.” Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay for *Beauty and the Beast*, while Alan Menken composed its music. Ashman and Menken’s work earned three Best Original Song nominations at the 64th Academy Awards, with the title song winning.