Profession: Musical Theater Composer
Biography: Jerry Herman created some of Broadway's most popular musicals. He was known for his upbeat, optimistic shows with memorable tunes.
Herman grew up in a musical family. His summers at Stissing Lake Camp, where he directed shows from age 6 to 23, shaped his future career. At 17, composer Frank Loesser encouraged Herman to continue writing music after hearing his work.
Herman's Broadway debut came with "From A to Z" (1960), which included contributions from Woody Allen. His breakthrough came with "Hello, Dolly!" (1964), which became the longest-running musical on Broadway at that time and won 10 Tony Awards.
Following this success, Herman wrote "Mame" (1966), which introduced several songs that became standards. In 1983, he created "La Cage aux Folles," a groundbreaking musical about a gay couple. This show was initially met with concern but went on to become a hit.
Herman faced personal challenges, including an HIV diagnosis in 1985. Despite this, he continued to work and influence Broadway. His songs became widely known, with "Hello, Dolly!" even knocking The Beatles off the top of the charts when recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1964.
In 2010, Herman received the Kennedy Center Honors for his significant contributions to American culture. His work continues to resonate, with his music from "Hello, Dolly!" featured in the animated film "WALL-E" (2008).
Born: July 10, 1933
Birthplace: NYC, New York, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Cancer
Died: December 26, 2019 (aged 86)
Cause of Death: Pulmonary complications
Career Highlights
- 1964-01-16 Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, opens at St James Theatre, NYC; runs for 2,844 performances and wins 10 Tony Awards
- 1966-05-24 Jerry Herman's musical "Mame", starring Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur, opens at Winter Garden Theater, NYC; runs for 1508 performances, wins 3 Tony Awards
- 1969-02-06 Jerry Herman's "Dear World" opens at Mark Hellinger Theater NYC for 132 performances
- 1970-01-03 Jerry Herman's musical "Mame" closes at The Broadway Theater, NYC, after 1508 performances and 3 Tony Awards
- 1970-12-27 Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, closes at the St. James Theatre, NYC, after 2844 performances and 10 Tony Awardwins
- 1974-10-06 Jerry Herman's musical "Mack & Mabel", about the romance between silent film figures Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, starring Robert Preston and Bernadette Peters, opens at Majestic Theater, NYC; runs for 66 performances
- 1974-11-30 Jerry Herman's musical "Mack & Mabel", about the romance between silent film figures Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, starring Robert Preston and Bernadette Peters, closes at Majestic Theater, NYC, after 66 performances
- 1975-11-06 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly", starring Pearl Bailey, opens at Minskoff Theater, NYC; runs for 51 performances
- 1975-12-21 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly", starring Pearl Bailey closes at Minskoff Theater, NYC, after 51 performances
- 1978-03-05 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, opens at Lunt-Fontanne Theater, NYC; runs for 152 performances
- 1978-07-09 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello, Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, closes at Lunt-Fontanne Theater, NYC, after 152 performances
- 1983-07-24 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Mame", starring Angela Lansbury, opens at Gershwin Theater NYC for 41 performances
- 1983-08-21 Jerry Herman's musical "La Cage aux Folles", based on Jean Poiret's French play of the same name, opens at Palace Theater, NYC; runs for 1761 performances, wins 6 Tony Awards
- 1983-08-28 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Mame", starring Angela Lansbury, closes at the George Gershwin Theater, NYC, after 41 performances
- 1985-12-18 Jerry Herman's musical revue "Jerry's Girls" opens at St James Theater, NYC; runs for 139 performances
- 1995-10-19 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, opens at Lunt-Fontanne Theater, NYC; runs for 118 performances
- 1996-01-28 Revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Hello Dolly!", starring Carol Channing, closes at Lunt-Fontanne Theater, NYC, after 118 performances
References
Famous Composers
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