Richard Rodgers was a pivotal figure in American musical theater, with a career that spanned much of the 20th century. Born on June 28, 1902, in New York City, Rodgers' prolific work established him as a legend, particularly known for his songwriting partnerships with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. He composed the music for more than 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, and he also wrote music for films and television.

His collaborations with Hart from 1919 to 1943 produced classics such as "The Lady is a Tramp" and "My Funny Valentine." However, it was his partnership with Hammerstein from 1943 until Hammerstein's death in 1960 that gave birth to some of the most famous musicals in theater history, including "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," "South Pacific," "The King and I," and "The Sound of Music." These works revolutionized the American musical by integrating a coherent story with the musical score. Rodgers' contributions to the arts have been celebrated with numerous accolades, including Tony Awards, Academy Awards, and Pulitzer Prizes. He passed away on December 30, 1979, leaving a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire through timeless melodies and songs like "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Edelweiss," beloved by generations of fans and performers alike.

Genres

Broadway

Tin Pan Alley

Related Artists

Leonard Bernstein

George Gershwin

Irving Berlin

Cole Porter

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Jerome Kern

Oscar Hammerstein II

Duke Ellington

John Kander

Latest Release

The (Big) Piano Album

Stephen Hough•

Anatoly Lyadov•

Benjamin Britten•

Camille Saint-Saëns•

Franz Liszt•

Georges Bizet•

Johann Sebastian Bach•

Johannes Brahms•

Richard Rodgers•

Robert Schumann•

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Album - 113 Tracks - Released October 20, 2024