Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 31, 1905 in London, England

Death

:

September 20, 1994 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Jule Styne was a prolific American composer of popular and classical music, best known for his contributions to the Broadway musical theater. Born Julius Kerwin Stein on December 31, 1905, in London, England, Styne was the youngest of four children of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. His family moved to Chicago when he was just a year old, and it was there that he grew up and developed his love for music. Styne's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he began playing the piano at the age of six. He was largely self-taught, but he also received some formal training at the Chicago College of Music. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in jazz bands and composing his own music. In the 1920s, Styne moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He quickly made a name for himself as a pianist and composer, and he began working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey. He also wrote songs for Hollywood films, including the classic "Three Coins in the Fountain." Styne's big break came in 1947, when he was asked to write the music for the Broadway musical "High Button Shoes." The show was a huge success, and it launched Styne's career as a Broadway composer. Over the next few decades, he wrote the music for some of the most beloved musicals of all time, including "Gypsy," "Funny Girl," and "Bells Are Ringing." Styne's music was known for its catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and sophisticated arrangements. He was a master of many different musical styles, from jazz and swing to classical and opera. His songs were often characterized by their wit and humor, as well as their emotional depth and complexity. One of Styne's most famous works is the musical "Gypsy," which premiered on Broadway in 1959. The show tells the story of the famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee and her overbearing stage mother, Rose. Styne's music for the show is a tour de force of Broadway songwriting, with memorable tunes like "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Rose's Turn." The show was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a beloved classic of the musical theater canon. Another of Styne's most famous works is the musical "Funny Girl," which premiered on Broadway in 1964. The show tells the story of the legendary entertainer Fanny Brice, and it features some of Styne's most iconic songs, including "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "People." The show was a huge hit, and it launched the career of its star, Barbra Streisand, who went on to become one of the most famous and successful performers of all time. Styne's other notable works include the musicals "Bells Are Ringing," "Peter Pan," and "Do Re Mi," as well as the film scores for "Anchors Aweigh" and "It's Always Fair Weather." He also wrote many popular songs outside of the theater, including "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "Time After Time." Throughout his career, Styne received many accolades for his work. He won four Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and a Grammy Award, among many other honors. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972. Styne continued to work in the music industry until his death in 1994 at the age of 88. His legacy as one of the greatest composers of the American musical theater lives on, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

More....