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David Shire

Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA

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David Shire is a multi-talented composer, songwriter, and pianist known for his work on Broadway, film, and television. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1937, Shire began playing the piano at a young age and went on to study music at Yale University.
Shire's Broadway career began in 1964 with the musical "Here's Where I Belong." Although the show was short-lived, Shire's music caught the attention of producer Harold Prince, who would go on to collaborate with Shire on several successful productions. In 1970, Shire and Prince teamed up for the musical "Company," which earned Shire his first Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score. The show's iconic songs, including "The Ladies Who Lunch" and "Being Alive," have become staples of the musical theater canon.
Shire's next major Broadway success came in 1975 with "Starting Here, Starting Now," a musical revue featuring his music and lyrics. The show received rave reviews and earned Shire another Tony nomination for Best Original Score. Shire continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with credits including "Baby" (1983) and "Big" (1996).
In addition to his work on Broadway, Shire has composed music for numerous films and television shows. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "It Goes Like It Goes" from the 1979 film "Norma Rae." Shire also composed the scores for films such as "The Conversation" (1974), "All the President's Men" (1976), and "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975).
Shire's television credits include the theme song for the popular sitcom "The Nanny" and the score for the miniseries "The Kennedys of Massachusetts." He also composed the music for the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York.
Shire's talent as a composer and songwriter has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Tony and Academy Award nominations, he has won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for his work on the 1985 album "Continental Divide." Shire was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999.
Beyond his work in music, Shire is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He has been involved with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and has served on the board of the New York Foundation for the Arts. Shire and his wife, actress and singer Didi Conn, founded the organization Autism Speaks after their son was diagnosed with autism.
At 84 years old, David Shire's contributions to the world of music continue to be celebrated. His work on Broadway, in film, and on television has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and his commitment to social justice and advocacy has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

David Shire Photos

David Shire Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Composer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1963]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1961]
Orchestrations/Arrangements
 
[Off-Broadway, 1961]
Music Arranger
Orchestrator

Writing

Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer

David Shire Movies

The Fortune
[ 1975 ] music adaptor
The Hindenburg
[ 1975 ] music score
Harry and Walter Go to New York
[ 1976 ] Piano Player
The World According to Garp
[ 1982 ] music adaptor
Vice Versa
[ 1988 ] music by

David Shire Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Shire, Big


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Off Broadway Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Off Broadway Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever

Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Music

David Shire, Baby

David Shire Videos

David Shire News


Are There Many Musicals About the Same Subject?


This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?

John Minnock's Final Album - A Tribute To David Shire - Will Release Posthumously Next Month


On April 26, 2024, Dot Time Records will release A Different Riff: Minnock Sings Shire, the fourth and final studio release from beloved vocalist and master song interpreter John Minnock. Learn more about the album.

BEAUTIFUL, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY & More Lead Philadelphia's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows


Philadelphia is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Beautiful, The Lehman Trilogy, and more!

Lainie Kazan's Four Classic 60s Albums Available for the First Time in Almost 60 Years


Available for the first time in the nearly 60 years since they were introduced, the four 1960s vocal albums from Lainie Kazan are now streaming on all digital platforms.

Interview: Melissa Errico is Singing Her Way Through Sondheim's 'Many Rooms'


Errico is reimagining and reinterpreting Sondheim classics, as well as some hidden gems. See her at the Green Room 42 on 3/22, and another SONDHEIM IN THE CITY concert at 54 Below in May to celebrate the vinyl release of her new album. We spoke about Sondheim, the inspiration behind the album, and what she's doing to keep each concert fresh.

24 Theater Books for Your Spring 2024 Reading List


Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 24 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's spring reading list.

Review: BROADWAY BOUND - PART SIX Is a Treasurer-Hunter's Dream


Just because the show never got to Broadway doesn't mean it didn't have good songs. Proof of this is in the hearing. And they get a fair hearing at 54 Below with the BROADWAY BOUND series. Even if a project might crash and burn, there can be things worth salvaging from the ashes. Read about 'em in our write-ups on 'Broadway Bound' --- a dream, a live show series, a podcast, a pleasure.

Irish Tenor Timothy Liam Smith to Present REFLECTIONS: IRELAND IN SONG AND STORY This Month


Skyline Theatre Company will present a special tribute to Ireland for one performance only on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00pm featuring renowned Irish Tenor and New Jersey's own Timothy Liam Smith

Robert Klein and Julie Gold Among The 14 Honorees At The 39th Annual BISTRO AWARDS GALA


Celebrate the musical and comedy artistry of Robert Klein, Julie Gold, and more at the 39th Annual Bistro Awards Gala on April 1 at Gotham Comedy Club. Hosted by Steve Hayes, the event honors exceptional artists with performances and special awards.

Sam Primack, Kyle Scatliffe & More To Lead BOHEMIAN PROGENY Industry Readings


BOHEMIAN PROGENY, a new musical with book, music & lyrics by Julian Rosenblum and additional story development by Sabrina Karlin, will present industry readings at Ripley Grier Studios. Learn more about the show here!

PACIFIC OVERTURES, World Premieres & More Set for East West Players 2024 Season


East West Players has unveiled its the 2024 Season. See full programming and lear how to purchase tickets!

Exclusive Photos: Go Inside Red Bull Theater's THE COUNTRY WIFE Gala Celebration


Red Bull Theater and Art Lab Productions presented the first major New York presentation of Maltby & Shire’s new musical, The Country Wife. See photos!

Exclusive Photos: Inside Red Bull Theater's Presentation of Maltby and Shire's THE COUNTRY WIFE


Red Bull Theater and Art Lab Productions presented the first major New York presentation of Maltby & Shire’s new musical, The Country Wife on Monday December 11th at the Peter Norton Symphony Space. This concert event was a celebratory fundraiser for Red Bull Theater. Proceeds help to make all of its programs possible. Check out photos from the event here!

TRU to Present 'It's Better In Britain: An American Perspective On The Development Of New Work'


Join Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) for their upcoming Community Gathering via Zoom on 12/15. This week's discussion focuses on the development of new work in Britain from an American perspective.

Ensemble Theatre Company Adds Performance of RING OF FIRE: The Music Of Johnny Cash


ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY is adding a performance of 'RING OF FIRE: The Music of Johnny Cash' due to overwhelming demand.

Red Bull Theater 20th Anniversary To Feature Audra McDonald, Patrick Page, Santino Fontana, Reeve Carney, and More


RED BULL THEATER has announced details of its plans for 2024, celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Highlights include the rolling world premiere of Medea: Re-Versed opening Off-Broadway; a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings with an all-star line-up (offered both in-person and online); and an all-new season of the popular Red Bull Theater Podcasts (formerly known as RemarkaBULL Podversations), intimate behind the scenes conversations with great artists.

Andy Grotelueschen & Nicholas Edwards to Join New Maltby & Shire Musical THE COUNTRY WIFE at Red Bull Theater


Andy Grotelueschen will replace the previously announced Jacob Ming-Trent for the first major New York presentation of Maltby & Shire’s new musical, The Country Wife at Red Bull Theater.

Video: Watch Liz Callaway Sing 'Grateful' by John Bucchino For Thanksgiving


In honor of Thanksgiving, watch Liz Callaway sing John Bucchino's 'Grateful'! 

Utah Symphony Celebrates the Holiday Season with a Festive End-of-Year Line-Up


The Utah Symphony has a long history of bringing its community together through music at the holidays—and this year is no different! This winter season, the Utah Symphony presents a variety of festive concert performances which begins with the return of the community-favorite Messiah Sing-In tradition with the Utah Opera Chorus—a celebratory event that invites audience members to sing along with Handel's beloved oratorio.

Review: BIG, THE MUSICAL at The Community Players


The Community Players kicks off its 102nd season with a lively, endearing, production of “Big, The Musical,” based on the beloved 1988 film, directed by Penny Marshall and starring Tom Hanks.

David Shire FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has David Shire written?

David Shire has written 16 shows including The Sap of Life (Composer), The Sap of Life (Composer), How Do You Do, I Love You (Composer), Love Match (Composer), Baby (Composer), Starting Here, Starting Now (Composer), Urban Blight (Composer), Urban Blight (Composer), Closer Than Ever (Composer), Shmulnik's Waltz (Music), The Loman Family Picnic (Music), Big (Composer), Saturday Night Fever (Composer/Lyricist), Take Flight (Composer), Waterfall (Music), Sousatzka (Music).

What awards has David Shire been nominated for?

David Shire has been nominated for several awards including Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Big, Best Off Broadway Music (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Closer Than Ever, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Closer Than Ever, and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Baby.

What awards has David Shire won?

David Shire has won the Best Off Broadway Music award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Closer Than Ever."

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