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Richard Rodgers Headshot

Richard Rodgers

Also Credited As: Richard C. Rodgers

Date of Death: December 30, 1979 (77)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Richard Rodgers was an American composer of 43 Broadway musicals, leaving a legacy as one of the most significant composers of 20th century American music. He is best known for his songwriting partnerships with the lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. His compositions have had a significant impact on popular music.


Rodgers was the first person to win an EGOT. In addition, he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize, making him one of only two people to receive all five awards

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Productions

 
[US Tour, 2020]
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[US Tour, 2015]
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[Broadway, 2015]
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[West End, 2006]
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[Broadway, 1977]
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[Broadway, 1970]
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[Broadway, 1968]
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[Broadway, 1965]
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[West End, 1963]
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[US Tour, 1962]
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[US Tour, 1961]
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[Broadway, 1959]
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[Broadway, 1955]
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[West End, 1951]
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[US Tour, 1950]
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[Broadway, 1949]
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[Broadway, 1948]
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[US Tour, 1947]
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[West End, 1947]
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[Broadway, 1946]
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[Broadway, 1946]
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[Broadway, 1944]
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[Broadway, 1943]
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[Broadway, 1942]
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[Broadway, 1937]
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[Broadway, 1936]
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[Broadway, 1925]
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[Broadway, 1925]
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[Broadway, 1919]
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Writing

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Movies

Heads Up
[ 1930 ] music
The Hot Heiress
[ 1931 ] music & lyrics by
Love Me Tonight
[ 1932 ] music by
Evergreen
[ 1934 ] music & lyrics by
The Merry Widow
[ 1934 ] lyrics by
Hollywood Party
[ 1934 ] music & lyrics by
Mississippi
[ 1935 ] music by
On Your Toes
[ 1939 ] music and lyrics by
Too Many Girls
[ 1940 ] music by
The Boys from Syracuse
[ 1940 ] music by
They Met in Argentina
[ 1941 ] songs
State Fair
[ 1945 ] music by
Annie Get Your Gun
[ 1950 ] producer
Main Street to Broadway
[ 1953 ] Richard Rodgers
Oklahoma!
[ 1955 ] music by
The King and I
[ 1956 ] music by
Carousel
[ 1956 ] music by
Pal Joey
[ 1957 ] music by
South Pacific
[ 1958 ] music by
Billy Rose's Jumbo
[ 1962 ] music and lyrics by

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production

Richard Rodgers, The Sound Of Music

Olivier Awards - 2002 - The Hilton Award for Outstanding Musical Production

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Musical Production

Richard Rodgers, The King And I


winner
Olivier Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Musical Production

Richard Rodgers, Oklahoma!

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

Richard Rodgers, State Fair


winner
Olivier Awards - 1992 - Best Musical Revival

Richard RodgersThe Boys From Syracuse

Olivier Awards - 1992 - Best Musical Revival

Richard RodgersThe Boys From Syracuse

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Musical of the Year

Richard RodgersBabes In Arms


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Lawrence Langner Memorial Award for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre

Richard Rodgers


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Special Tony Award

Richard Rodgers

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Richard Rodgers , Do I Hear a Waltz?

Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, No Strings


winner
Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Richard Rodgers, No Strings


winner
Tony Awards - 1962 - Special Tony Award

Richard Rodgers

Tony Awards - 1959 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, Flower Drum Song

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, Pipe Dream


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1952 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers , Pal Joey


winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, The King and I

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1951 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers , The King and I


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1950 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Producer (Musical)

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1949 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers, South Pacific


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1946 - Best Musical

Richard Rodgers , Carousel

Videos

News


Lee Roy Reams & More to Perform at 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Lee roy Reams and more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Listen to 'Migratory V' From Ari Axelrod's Upcoming Album 'A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway'

Ari Axelrod will release his new album A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway on Friday, January 17. We have your exclusive first listen to the track 'Migratory V', written by Adam Guettel for Myths & Hymns.
Theatre Now Receives $15,000 Award From the National Endowment for the Arts

Theatre Now New York has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $15,000. Learn more about the grant here!
NIGHT SIDE SONGS Comes to Philadelphia Theatre Company

Philadelphia Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Night Side Songs, a new musical from acclaimed musical theatre duo Daniel and Patrick Lazour and directed by PTC Co-Artistic Director and Obie-winner Taibi Magar.
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA’s Chamber Music Series Perform Love-Inspired Program in February

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA’s 2024-2025 Chamber Music Series will continue with the VSO Chamber Ensemble: The Love of Music next month. Learn more here!
After Successful World Premiere in Rio de Janeiro RIO UPHILL Opens in Sao Paulo

Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the first completely original Brazilian musical created in New York , Rio Uphill takes audiences to the heart of Rio de Janeiro. An unexpected encounter on New Year's Eve brings together Miguel and Daniel, two young men from vastly different worlds. Daniel falls in love with Miguel's sister, Julia. Problems escalate when a video goes viral on the internet, putting Miguel, Julia and Daniel's personal challenges and obstacles to the test in the face of a divided society.
RED BULL THEATER's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open

Red Bull Theater has announced that submissions are now open for Red Bull's ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Featuring six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year's theme, “Defiance,”
How Many Broadway Musicals Are Based on TV Shows?

With Smash about to make a splash on Broadway this season, the question was asked: how many Broadway musicals have been based on television? While historically, far more Broadway musicals have been based on books or movies, television shows have also provided source materials for several productions on the main stem.
Review: A NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION WITH BERNADETTE PETERS AND THE BOSTON POPS

What did BroadwayWorld's critic think of A NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION WITH BERNADETTE PETERS AND THE BOSTON POPS at Boston Symphony Hall? Read the review here!
Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis & More to Perform at 54 Below in January

In January, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis, and many more! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Videos: Darren Criss Talks MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, Performs Holiday Tunes

Darren Criss recently visited CBS Sunday Morning to discuss the new Broadway show, Maybe Happy Ending, and his road to Broadway, along with some performances of holiday tunes. Watch the videos now!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC: Catch A Moonbeam at Toby's This Holiday Season

An evening at Toby’s Dinner And Show in Columbia, Maryland for THE SOUND OF MUSIC is a clutter-free treat for your loved ones. Toby's presents a classic, now entertaining a fourth generation, that feels lush and rich with detail and meaning, and contemporary relevance. An audience favorite since the dawn of the 1960s, this beloved Rogers & Hammerstein standard runs at Toby's through January 12th, 2025.
Barn On Fire to Launch 4th Summer Season With LEWIS LOVES CLARK And SUNKEN CATHEDRAL

Next summer, New York Theatre Barn and the Fire Island Pines Arts Project will join forces for the 4th annual season of Barn on Fire. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Mary Testa, Jordan Dobson, Taylor Trensch & More to Star In NIGHT SIDE SONGS at Under the Radar

The cast has been revealed for the Under the Radar presentation of Lazours’ Night Side Songs. The A.R.T./PTC co-production will be presented at Lincoln Center as part of UTR’s Under Construction series. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Darren Criss and Helen J Shen Share Insights on MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

On Monday, Darren Criss and Helen J Shen visited Late Night with Seth Meyers to discuss the new Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending. Set in the future, the two stars play helper bots that find an unexpected connection with one another. Watch the interview!
THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT Musical Will Make World Premiere Off-Broadway

The world premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project will open off-Broadway, conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper and directed by John Simpkins.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Will Launch New North American Tour in 2025

The Sound of Music is hitting the road for a new North American tour, kicking off 65 year after its original stage debut. The production will kick off at the Kennedy Center in September 2025.
Marcus Choi Shares Backstage Routines, Moments, and More From MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

Marcus Choi is currently appearing on Broadway in Maybe Happy Ending. He is taking us backstage at the Belasco Theatre to share some of his favorite backstage stories, moments, routines and more.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING To Release Cast Recording

Great news to share for fans of Happy Ending, the new musical starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen. On social media, the show revealed this evening that a cast recording is in the works.
Darren Criss & Helen J Shen to Visit LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS Next Week

On Monday, December 16, Broadway fans can tune into Late Night with Seth Meyers for an interview with Darren Criss and Helen J Shen. The duo will visit the late-night show to discuss the new Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Richard Rodgers written?

Richard Rodgers has written 66 shows including The Sound of Music (Composer), Cinderella (Composer), Fly with Me (Composer), Poor Little Ritz Girl (Composer), Dearest Enemy (Composer), The Girl Friend (Composer), Garrick Gaieties (Composer), Lido Lady (Composer), Peggy-Ann (Composer), Betsy (Composer), One Dam Thing After Another (Composer), She's My Baby (Composer), Present Arms (Composer), Chee-Chee (Composer), Spring is Here (Composer), A Yankee At The Court Of King Arthur (Composer), Heads Up (Composer), Simple Simon (Composer), Ever Green (Composer), America's Sweetheart (Composer), Jumbo (Composer), On Your Toes (Bookwriter), All Points West (Composer), The Show is On (Composer), Babes in Arms (Bookwriter), I'd Rather Be Right (Composer), I Married an Angel (Bookwriter), The Boys from Syracuse (Composer), Too Many Girls (Composer), Higher and Higher (Composer), Pal Joey (Composer), By Jupiter (Bookwriter), Oklahoma! (Composer), Carousel (Composer), Happy Birthday (Composer), Allegro (Composer), South Pacific (Composer), The King and I (Composer), Me And Juliet (Composer), Pipe Dream (Composer), Flower Drum Song (Composer), No Strings (Composer), Do I Hear a Waltz? (Composer), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (Composer), Two By Two (Composer), A Celebration of Richard Rodgers (Composer), Rodgers & Hart (Composer), Rex (Composer), Side by Side by Sondheim (Composer), I Remember Mama (Composer), With Love and Laughter (Material), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Composer), A Grand Night for Singing (Composer), Something Wonderful (Composer), State Fair (Composer), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Composer), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Composer), Something Good (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Manhattan Madcaps of 1924 (Composer), Stairway to Paradise (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Composer), Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (Composer), A Night With Janis Joplin (Composer), Ten Cents a Dance (Composer).

What awards has Richard Rodgers been nominated for?

Richard Rodgers has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for "The Sound Of Music," "South Pacific," "The King And I," and "Oklahoma!" He was also nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "State Fair," "Do I Hear a Waltz?," and "No Strings." Rodgers received nominations for Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "The Boys From Syracuse" and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "No Strings," "Flower Drum Song," "Pipe Dream," "The King and I," and "South Pacific." Additionally, he was nominated for the Lawrence Langner Memorial Award for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre and received a Special Tony Award. Rodgers also received nominations for various other categories such as Musical of the Year, Producer (Musical), and Best Original Score. His work on "South Pacific" earned him the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

What awards has Richard Rodgers won?

Richard Rodgers has won several awards throughout his career in the Broadway industry. Some of his notable awards include the Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for "Oklahoma!", the Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "The Boys From Syracuse", the Lawrence Langner Memorial Award for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre at the Tony Awards, and a Special Tony Award. Additionally, Rodgers received the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "No Strings", another Special Tony Award, and the Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Pal Joey", "The King and I", "South Pacific", and "Carousel". Furthermore, Rodgers' musical "South Pacific" also won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama and received the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre and Producer (Musical) awards at the Tony Awards. These accolades reflect the immense talent and success of Richard Rodgers in the Broadway world.

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