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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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[West End, 1951]
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[US Tour, 1950]
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[US Tour, 1947]
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[Broadway, 1943]
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[Broadway, 1937]
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[Broadway, 1925]
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[Broadway, 1925]
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[Broadway, 1919]
Composer

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


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.
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.
Video: Brian d'Arcy James Performs With Daughter, Grace

Broadway veteran Brian d'Arcy James was recently joined on stage by his daughter, Grace,  at his concert at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. Check out the video here!
Under the Radar Festival & More Set for January at Lincoln Center

January at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will feature the Under the Radar festival, De La Soul's headlining debut, Avenida B’s return to ¡VAYA¡, and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Casts Doubt on HAMILTON Movie

Don't expect a Hamilton movie anytime soon. Despite the enormous success of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, the creator explains why he is hesitant to bring it to the big screen. 
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Returns to ABC This Month

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s cinematic treasure The Sound of Music will be broadcast on ABC on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 7/6c. The musical’s official social media pages will host a live watch party during the airing on December 15.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Releases New Block of Tickets

Maybe Happy Ending has released a new block of tickets now on sale through Sunday, September 7, 2025. Learn more about how to get tickets for the new performances here!
THE GIGGLING GRANNY Comes to Theater For the New City in January

'The Giggling Granny,' a solo play written for Marilyn Chris by Marsha Lee Sheiness, will be presented by Theater for the New City, in January. Learn more here!
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA Extends at Theater Latté Da

Theater Latté Da has announced that its production of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA is extending. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
JERRY'S GIRLS Opens At The Pompano Beach Cultural Center In January

The Pompano Players third offering in their inaugural season is Jerry's Girls, a musical revue that honors the life and work of legendary Broadway composer Jerry Herman. 
Meet the Cast of ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The world premiere of All In: Comedy About Love will premiere on Broadway on December 11. All In will be performed with a rotating cast of actors. Meet the first cast members taking the stage in the show here!
Ari Axelrod to Release A PLACE FOR US: A CELEBRATION OF JEWISH BROADWAY Album

PS CLASSICS will release a new album from award-winning musical storyteller Ari Axelrod. A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway will be available on CD and digital formats. Learn more!
CINDY OF ARC to Continue Monthly At Laurie Beechman Theatre

Cindy of Arc will continue its monthly residency at the Laurie Beechman Theater in NYC. Cindy of Arc is directed by Emmy-Winning writer and Tony-nominated producer Dani Davis. Learn how to purchase tickets. Learn more!
New Cast Set For the UK and Ireland Tour of HAMILTON

New casting has been announced for the UK and Ireland Tour of the multi award-winning HAMILTON. The new cast will have their first performance at Cardiff's Wales Millennium Centre on Monday 20 January 2025.
Video: Watch Brian d'Arcy James Sing 'I Miss the Mountains' From NEXT TO NORMAL at MISCAST

Watch Brian d'Arcy James sing 'I Miss the Mountains' from Next to Normal at MCC Theater's MISCAST24. Brian d'Arcy James created the role of Dan Goodman in the original Off-Broadway production of Next to Normal. Watch the video!
SOUTH PACIFIC And More Announced for Gateway Playhouse 2025 Mainstage Season

Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point recently announced its 2025 Mainstage Season, which will include: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's classic comedy “The Man Who Came to Dinner;” Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved musical “South Pacific;” and more.
25 Great Audition Songs for Sopranos

Let us help you find some fresh audition material. These 25 soprano audition songs are a combination of greats and lesser knowns, so you can choose material that you love and knock that audition out of the park. Check out what made the list!

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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