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Charles Strouse
Charles Strouse, the American composer and lyricist best known for his work on Broadway musicals, film scores, and television theme songs, was born on June 7, 1928, in New York City.
He grew up in a Jewish family and developed an early interest in music. Luckily, his parents quickly recognised his talent and enrolled him in piano lessons, which paved the way for his future in composition.
Charles attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied composition and conducting and after graduating, continued his studies with noted American composers, including Aaron Copland and David Diamond. This classical training helped him build a foundation for his later work in theatre, where he would blend traditional musical forms with popular styles.
Although he scored a major hit in 1958 with "Born Too Late" by the Poni Tails, his real breakthrough came in 1960 when he composed the music for the Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie", which was a critical and commercial success. The show, co-written with lyricist Lee Adams and book writer Michael Stewart, satirized the frenzy surrounding rock 'n' roll culture in America, particularly the figure of Elvis Presley. It won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and helped cement Strouse's reputation as a leading composer for musical theatre. The score featured hit songs like "Put on a Happy Face" and "The Telephone Hour," and it was later adapted into a successful film in 1963.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Charles continued to collaborate with Lee Adams on a number of musicals, though none achieved the same level of fame as "Bye Bye Birdie". However, he found major success again with the musical "Applause" (1970), based on the film "All About Eve". This show which starred Lauren Bacall and won the Tony Award for Best Musical, contained songs like "Applause" and "But Alive" which showcased Strouse's ability to write music that captured both dramatic intensity and a sense of fun.
Perhaps the pinnacle of his career came in 1977 with the musical "Annie". Based on the popular comic strip "Little Orphan Annie", the show featured a score by Charles with lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan. "Annie" became a massive success, running for nearly six years on Broadway and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. The show’s most famous song, "Tomorrow," became a standard in musical theatre, and the show has been revived and adapted for film multiple times. "Annie" solidified Charles Strouse's place as one of Broadway's most enduring composers.
Charles also made significant contributions to film and television. He composed the theme song for the popular 1970s sitcom "All in the Family", titled "Those Were the Days," which became iconic in its own right. He wrote scores for films like "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), "The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968), and "The First Monday in October" (1981).
In addition to his work in theatre, Charles was an active teacher and mentor to younger generations of composers. He taught at New York University and served on the board of several musical organisations, helping to shape the future of American music.
Throughout his life, Charles Strouse remained passionate about the role of music in storytelling. His ability to craft memorable, emotionally resonant songs made him a beloved figure in both the theatre community and the broader world of American music and he continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the world of musical theatre, while his work remains a testament to the power of music to bring stories to life.
International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame Member.
Charles Strouse died at the age of 96, on the 15th May 2025, at his home in New York City, USA, of undisclosed causes.
© Jim Liddane
Copyright Songwriter Magazine, International Songwriters Association & Jim Liddane: All Rights Reserved
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