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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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[Broadway, 1962]
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[West End, 1961]
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[US Tour, 1961]
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[Broadway, 1959]
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[Broadway, 1955]
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[Broadway, 1953]
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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]
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


Sherz Aletaha, Donna Vivino And More Join THE SPELL OF RED RIVER At 54 Below

Sherz Alehata from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG joins Donna Vivino and other Broadway stars for an Abortion Care Benefit at 54 Below, supporting healthcare access amid political challenges.
Jack O'Brien Directed THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour Will Resume in 2025

BroadwayWorld has learned that producers Concord Theatricals and NETworks Presentations will relaunch the Jack O'Brien-directed tour of The Sound of Music in September 2025.
Review Roundup: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, Starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen.

Though the company celebrated last night, Maybe Happy Ending officially opens on Broadway today, November 12. Check out what the critics are saying about the new musical here.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Red Carpet Arrivals

The best of Broadway came out to celebrate at the Belasco Theatre yesterday, where Maybe Happy Ending held its special gala performance. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the starry guest arrivals below.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Cast Celebrates Gala Performance

What happens when two, retired HelperBots fall in love? Broadway is about to find out with Maybe Happy Ending. Check out photos from inside the gala celebration here.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Cast Takes Bows at Gala Celebration

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING held its gala celebration last night, November 11, at the Belasco Theatre, ahead of tonight's official opening. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the cast taking their bows here!
SOUTH PACIFIC Reunion Concert at Lincoln Center to Offer Performance Only Tickets & Digital Lottery

Lincoln Center Theater has announced performance-only tickets and a digital lottery for the SOUTH PACIFIC reunion concert, featuring members of the 2008 revival cast. Learn more about the performance here!
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen

Performances are now underway for MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at the Belasco Theatre. The production stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Darren Criss, Helen J Shen and more. Check out all new photos here!
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY

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, November 11, 2024.
Review: Lucky Are Those Who Caught THE SONGS THAT GOT AWAY at Carnegie Hall

THE SONGS THAT GOT AWAY was another trip through songs famous and not so famous with Michael Feinstein in fine form, as usual. This has got to be far and away one of the most enjoyable educational Michael Feinstein-led trips through Broadway history.
Lauren Patten, Jelani Remy, and More Will Present Songs From New Musicals at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat Gala

Over 25 artists will appear live at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat's gala 'Songs of our Summer from Rhinebeck to Chelsea' at Chelsea Table + Stage. Selections from 8 new musicals developed this year in Rhinebeck will be presented.
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham Visit MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway

Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham recently attended MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway and met the cast following the performance. Check out photos from backstage here!
Broadway Buying Guide: November 4, 2024- SWEPT AWAY Arrives 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, November 4, 2024.
Previews: 1962 ON STAGE AND SCREEN at The Musical Theater Project

The Musical Theatre Project's next live program, 1962 ON STAGE AND SCREEN, is to be presented at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Review: BEYOND THE RAINBOW at 54 Below is Sam Harris at His Most Intimate

I left this show feeling that I had experienced something true and honest from an artist who is largely associated with his dazzling style. This show presents Sam Harris as a remarkable and sensitive artist in addition to being a flawless showman.
Review: COCKEYED OPTIMIST Celebrates Hammerstein at 92NY

Songs with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein from musical theatre gems were celebrated and sung and discussed at 92NY in a fine Lyrics and Lyricists concert, COCKEYED OPTIMIST concert at The 92nd Street Y, New York. The concert kicked off L&L's 2024-25 season which continues next month with a tribute to activist Nina Simone.
Chicago Opera Theater Will Mark Centennial of Puccini’s Death with BOHÈME AND BEYOND

Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and rarely produced operas, presents Bohème and Beyond – The Legacy of Puccini, highlighting how Puccini’s work impacted the evolution of opera and musical theater, at DePaul University’s Gannon Hall at the Holtschneider Performance Center.
CINDY OF ARC to Return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre in November and December

CINDY OF ARC will return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre. This rock'n roll musical by Cynthia Kaplan, directed by Dani Davis, critiques historical narratives about women. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Darren Criss Explains Why MAYBE HAPPY ENDING is a Rare Musical

Darren Criss, currently starring in Maybe Happy Ending, visited The Today Show to discuss the show and why he is excited to star in the original musical.
Renée Fleming Named As 2025 Cincinnati May Festival Director

Renée Fleming has been named as the 2025 Festival Director for the Cincinnati May Festival, bringing her expertise to the renowned choral event.

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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