Fred Ebb

Date of Death: September 11, 2004 (71)

Birth Place: USA

Get Fred Ebb Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Fred Ebb BIO

As a writer, lyricist, composer and director, Fred Ebb made incalculable contributions to the New York theatrical community. Mr. Ebb is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Olivier and Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award winning recipient. Fred Ebb's first professional songwriting assignment came in 1953 when he and Phil Springer were hired by Columbia Records to write a song for Judy Garland called "Heartbroken." Mr. Ebb was introduced to composer John Kander in 1964 by music publisher Tommy Valando and became one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history. The first successful collaboration was on the song "My Coloring Book," recorded by Barbra Streisand. Their second theatrical collaboration, Flora, the Red Menace, created a star out of Liza Minnelli in her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut. In 1966, their collaboration Cabaret, opened and received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1972 movie version of Cabaret starring Liza Minnelli was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards and won three including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. The same year, the songwriting team wrote a number of songs for Minnelli's television special "Liza With a Z," which received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Popular Music. In 1975, the two wrote the Broadway musical Chicago, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. The musical was successfully revived 20 years later at City Center ENCORES! and subsequently transferred to Broadway where it is currently the longest running revival in Broadway history. In 1977, the team collaborated with Martin Scorsese on the movie New York, New York; the title song was introduced by Minnelli and later recorded by Frank Sinatra becoming the unofficial theme song of New York City. The Minnelli Broadway vehicle The Act also opened that year. After a four-year absence, Mr. Ebb and Mr. Kander returned with Woman of the Year (1981), The Rink (1984), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985) and Steel Pier (1997). They were honored by the Kennedy Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Miramax's 2002 feature film Chicago was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Fred Ebb STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer

Fred Ebb Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1967]
Additional Material

Writing

Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Additional Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Author
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist

Fred Ebb Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Music

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Curtains


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Fred Ebb

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

Fred Ebb

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Steel Pier


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

Fred Ebb, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Book of a Musical

Fred Ebb , Chicago

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Zorba

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Happy Time


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical

Fred Ebb, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Cabaret

Fred Ebb Videos

Fred Ebb News


SUFFS Announces Rush and Digital Lottery Policies

Suffs has announced their rush and digital lottery policies, including special $19.20 rush tickets available for purchase in person during previews. Find out how to get discount tickets to Suffs here!

Review Roundup: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Opens On Broadway- See What the Critics Are Saying!

Come one, come all to the new big-top Broadway musical WATER FOR ELEPHANTS opening at Broadway's Imperial Theatre tonight! See what the critics had to say about their trip to the circus! Read the reviews!

New Musical TEETH Gets Second Extension At Playwrights Horizons

Due to popular demand, the new Off-Broadway musical TEETH has extended its run again. Get the latest updates on the show's schedule and more.

Broadway Buying Guide: March 18, 2024- THE WHO'S TOMMY Tops the Week

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, March 18, 2024.

New Tickets On Sale For Sydney Season Of CHICAGO

Due to huge demand, additional performances have been released today for the upcoming Sydney season of CHICAGO. Tickets up to 21 July are on pre-sale from today, with General Public sales from Friday 22 March.

CHICAGO se despide de Madrid

El próximo 28 de abril la temporada limitada de CHICAGO bajará el telón una última vez en Madrid antes de embarcarse en una gira por España que culminará en julio de 2025.

Naples' TheatreZone Reveals 20th Season Lineup

TheatreZone, Naples' premier professional theatre company, has announced its 2024-2025 musical productions.

Broadway Buying Guide: March 11, 2024- DOUBT is Back on Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, March 11, 2024.

Robyn Hurder to Return to CHICAGO as Velma This Month

Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder will return to Chicago on Broadway in the role of “Velma Kelly” beginning Tuesday, March 26 through Sunday, June 16.

Listen: SUFFS Releases Stripped Down 'Keep Marching' Performed by Shaina Taub

The official audio recording of Shaina Taub performing a stripped-down version of the song 'Keep Watching' from Suffs is available now on streaming platforms! The song can be downloaded or listened to here.

CABARET, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2024-25 Season

The Guthrie Theater will present eight productions for its 2024–2025 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Red Concepcion Looks on 'Mr. Cellophane's' Bright Side

Red Concepcion, who just made his Broadway debut in “Chicago,” sprinkles a little sunshine in his character, Amos Hart, who’s often depicted as Roxie’s “scummy, crummy, dummy hubby.” In the show’s first few minutes, it’s made clear Roxie has been cheating on Amos, clinging to men who have promised her a shot at being a local celebrity.

Review: CHICAGO at The McCallum Theatre

What did our critic think of CHICAGO at The McCallum Theatre? There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations, and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.

Broadway Buying Guide: March 4, 2024- See the New Musicals of the Spring Season

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, March 4, 2024.

Video: Producer Hillary Rodham Clinton Featured in New SUFFS Promotional Video

Secretary Hillary Clinton, who serves as a producer on Suffs, recently appeared in a promotional video for the musical, which also features writer-composer-lyricist and star Shaina Taub and several cast members. Check out the video here!

Alex Finke & Livvy Marcus to Star in American Premiere of RIDE at The Old Globe

The full cast and creative team has been revealed for the American premiere of Ride at The Old Globe. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Photos: Shaina Taub and the Cast of SUFFS Give a Sneak Peek

Shaina Taub and the cast of Suffs gave a sneak peek at the musical with a special performance at the Great Hall at Cooper Union yesterday. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!

March BIRTHDAY Feature and a QUIZ: Honoring Those Born in March

Let's march into March with a quiz about the music notables born in that month. Check out this BroadwayWorld quiz to see how much you know about them. A March Multiple Choice Quiz about our multiple birthday honorees.

Northern Stage Announces WAITRESS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST And More for 2024/25 Season

Discover the exciting 2024/25 season announced by Northern Stage, featuring five main stage productions including SISTERS, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, KING JAMES, THE VERMONT FARM PROJECT, and WAITRESS. The season also promises new works and musical events.

Fred Ebb FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Fred Ebb written?

Fred Ebb has written 34 shows including By Jupiter (Additional Material), Put It in Writing (Material), Morning Sun (Bookwriter), Flora, the Red Menace (Lyricist), Go Fly a Kite (Lyricist), Cabaret (Lyricist), The Happy Time (Lyricist), Zorba (Lyricist), 70, Girls, 70 (Bookwriter), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Lyricist), Liza (Bookwriter), Chicago (Bookwriter), Shirley MacLaine (Bookwriter), 2 by 5 (Lyricist), The Act (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), Woman of the Year (Lyricist), The Rink (Lyricist), Diamonds (Lyricist), How Lucky Can You Get? (Lyricist), And the World Goes 'Round (Lyricist), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Lyricist), Steel Pier (Lyricist), Over and Over (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Minnelli on Minnelli (Bookwriter), The Visit (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Lyricist), The Scottsboro Boys (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), New York, New York (Lyrics).

What awards has Fred Ebb been nominated for?

Fred Ebb has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Curtains," The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Steel Pier," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Rink," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Woman of the Year," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Act," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Zorba," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Happy Time," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cabaret," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."

What awards has Fred Ebb won?

Fred Ebb has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on The Scottsboro Boys. He was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. The Helen Hayes Awards presented him with The American Express Tribute. Ebb's musical Kiss of the Spider Woman won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was also recognized with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production. Additionally, Ebb won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for Woman of the Year. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for Zorba. Lastly, Ebb's musical Cabaret won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was honored with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production as well.

Get Fred Ebb Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos