We all have heard it. The preternatural, ambient, almost alien-like theme from the X-Files. Mark Snow, one of the most prolific composers for television, has passed away at age 78. Besides the theme for X-Files, Snow was also known for composing for successful TV series, Blue Bloods, and also Smallville. In addition, he was known for composing a plethora of TV movies and his partnership with X-Files producer, Chris Carter.
Mark Snow’s Start in the Industry
Born Martin Fulterman in Brooklyn, NY, Mark always had a keen interest in music. He played piano and drums as a child. He attended New York’s High School of Music and Arts. Mark met another famed composer, Michael Kamen, and the two attended Julliard School of Music together, and became roommates.
In the early 1970s Mark went out to California where he landed his first big break on the hit 1980s TV series, The Rookies. He went on to score TV shows and television movies, to include TJ Hooker and The Love Boat. Snow eventually hit household recognition with his music for crime-solving show Hart to Hart.
The X-Files and Beyond
After a spate of musical work for TV movies, Mark landed the job of composer for the 1986 TV series Falcon Crest. This led to more steady work and finally to meeting Chris Carter, the creator of X–Files. Mark Snow and Chris Carter would form a partnership which included musical work for the X-Files movies, TV specials, and the spinoff show, Millennium.
The X-Files composer had always been a bit amused that the X-Files theme was so popular and became a chart-topper in Europe, remarking:
Nothing really big happens in the song. It stays in A-minor, there’s no singing, drums or guitars, and it was a smash hit. That’s pretty wild.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Snow worked on Birds of Prey, Ghost Whisperer, and then Smallville. He composed for over 250 projects, and still was continuing with the long-running ABC series Blue Bloods.
Mark Snow’s Legacy
Snow was also a mentor to Sean Callery (composer from 24) who told Variety:
His limitless talent and boundless creativity was matched only by the generosity he bestowed upon other composers who sought his guidance. He would give the most inspiring and intelligent feedback when listening to the work of other young artists (myself included). He combined his decades of experience with the encouragement that composers cultivate: to trust in themselves, embrace their own unique voice, and learn to rely on their own instincts. And he did so with a humor and self-deprecation that made his wisdom all the more enduring.
Mark is survived by his wife, Glynnis, three daughters, and his grandchildren. This brilliant and unassuming composer has left us with hundreds of musical pieces to appreciate. If you are craving some of his ethereal X-Files music, check out the 2020 television special Song in the Key of X.
