Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 3, 1921 in New York City, NY

Death

:

June 21, 2012 in Southampton, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Richard Adler was an American composer, lyricist, and producer who was born on August 3, 1921, in New York City. He was the son of a classical pianist and a concert violinist, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music from a young age. Adler began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the trumpet and the drums. Adler attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied music and drama. He later transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned a degree in music composition. While in college, Adler began writing songs and performing in musical revues. He also worked as a disc jockey and a radio announcer. After college, Adler moved to New York City and began working as a composer and lyricist for Broadway musicals. His first major success came in 1950 with the musical comedy "Bless You All," which he co-wrote with Jerry Ross. The show ran for over 300 performances and earned Adler his first Tony Award nomination. Adler and Ross went on to collaborate on several more successful musicals, including "The Pajama Game" (1954) and "Damn Yankees" (1955). Both shows were huge hits and earned Adler and Ross multiple Tony Awards. "The Pajama Game" featured the hit songs "Hey There" and "Steam Heat," while "Damn Yankees" included the popular tunes "Whatever Lola Wants" and "Heart." Tragically, Ross died of a lung ailment in 1955 at the age of 29, cutting short his promising career. Adler continued to work as a composer and lyricist, but he never achieved the same level of success without his longtime collaborator. In the 1960s, Adler turned his attention to producing and directing musicals. He produced several successful shows, including "Kwamina" (1961) and "The Apple Tree" (1966). He also directed the Broadway revival of "The Pajama Game" in 1973. Adler's later years were marked by controversy and legal troubles. In 1983, he was indicted on charges of tax evasion and fraud related to his production company. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service and probation. Despite his legal troubles, Adler continued to work in the entertainment industry. He produced several television specials and wrote the score for the 1990 film "The Grass Harp." He also served as the president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame from 1980 to 1985. Richard Adler died on June 21, 2012, at the age of 90. He was remembered as a talented composer and lyricist who helped to shape the sound of Broadway musicals in the 1950s. His legacy lives on through his timeless songs and the many productions that continue to be staged around the world.

More....