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BIO

Don Black OBE is a highly-acclaimed, Oscar-winning lyricist. His works have included movie themes, hit songs, and numerous musicals, including three with Andrew Lloyd Webber: Tell Me on a Sunday, Aspects of Love, and Sunset Boulevard, for which he received two Tony Awards for Best Book and Lyrics, together with Christopher Hampton.


Mr. Black's movie credits include themes for many James Bond films: Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun, "Surrender" from Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough. In collaboration with composer John Barry, he wrote the title song for the 1966 film Born Free, which won the Oscar for Best Song. He also collaborated with Barry on Out of Africa and Dances With Wolves. He has worked with Jule Styne, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein, Michael Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, Charles Aznavour and has had two U.S. number one hits: Michael Jackson's "Ben" and Lulu's "To Sir, With Love".
Mr. Black was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Photos

Productions

Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard
 
[West End, 2023]
Book and lyrics
The Third ManThe Third Man
 
[West End, 2023]
BOOK & LYRICS
Aspects of LoveAspects of Love
 
[West End, 2023]
Lyrics
Dance of the Vampires
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Lyrics
Budgie
 
[West End, 1988]
Producing Director

Writing

Abbacadabara
Lyricist
Billy
Lyricist
Budgie
Lyricist
Dear Anyone
Lyricist
Dracula
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Merlin
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Sunset Boulevard
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Movies

Where's Jack?
[ 1969 ] lyrics by
Diamonds Are Forever
[ 1971 ] lyrics
The Man with the Golden Gun
[ 1974 ] lyrics
Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze
[ 1975 ] lyrics by
Gulliver's Travels
[ 1977 ] writer
The Bitch
[ 1979 ] music and lyrics by
Thomas and the Magic Railroad
[ 2000 ] lyrics by
Aspects of Love
[ 2005 ] lyrics by
Archie
[ 2015 ] lyrics, songwriter
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical
[ 2024 ] lyrics by
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical
[ 2024 ] lyrics by

TV Shows

Read to Me, Heidi
Lyricist: lyrics
Read to Me, Heidi
Lyricist: lyrics

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Lyrics

Don Black, Bonnie & Clyde

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Bonnie & Clyde

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Musical Revival

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Book of a Musical

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Aspects of Love

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Song and Dance

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Merlin

Videos

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News


Exclusive: SUNSET BOULEVARD Stars, Directors Reflect on the Show’s Traditional, Str Photo
Exclusive: SUNSET BOULEVARD Stars, Directors Reflect on the Show’s Traditional, Stripped-Down Stagings
by Oliver Oliveros - Feb 19, 2025

Known for its grand, dramatic score, “Sunset Boulevard,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Old Hollywood-themed musical, which is equally famed for its iconic lead character, Norma Desmond, has finally made its first season in Asia—after over 30 years since its world premiere in London.
Review: SUNSET BOULEVARD Is A Must-See Musical Revival Photo
Review: SUNSET BOULEVARD Is A Must-See Musical Revival
by Gilbert Kim Sancha - Feb 13, 2025

For a strictly limited season until 23 February 2025, the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, will be the home of the highly anticipated theatrical event 'Sunset Boulevard,' a musical based on the 1950 Paramount film by Billy Wilder with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.
BOB & JEAN: A TRUE LOVE STORY World Premiere & More Set for Bay Street Theater 2025 S Photo
BOB & JEAN: A TRUE LOVE STORY World Premiere & More Set for Bay Street Theater 2025 Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has revealed the entirety of the 2025 Summer Mainstage Season, featuring a world premiere and more. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Sarah Brightman Talks Becoming Norma Desmond, Bringing SUNSET BOULEVARD to Asi Photo
Video: Sarah Brightman Talks Becoming Norma Desmond, Bringing SUNSET BOULEVARD to Asia, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Sarah Brightman is returning to the role of Norma Desmond as Sunset Boulevard arrives in Singapore this February. In a new interview, Brightman talked about how she gets into character, and more.
SUNSET BOULEVARD Plays at the Sands Theatre, Feb. 7-23 Photo
SUNSET BOULEVARD Plays at the Sands Theatre, Feb. 7-23
by Oliver Oliveros - Jan 30, 2025

After over a three-decade hiatus, Sarah Brightman returns to her musical theater roots via a lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'Sunset Boulevard.,' which played at the Sydney Opera House last year.
JW3 To Present A Celebration of Bernard Kops In February Photo
JW3 To Present A Celebration of Bernard Kops In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 18, 2025

A year after his death, JW3 is celebrating the extraordinary life and works of the vital Jewish voice of Bernard Kops on Sunday 16 February at 7.30pm.The evening will include extracts from his fantastical and surreal poems and stage plays including his defining The Hamlet of Stepney Green.
JW3 Will Celebrate Bernard Kops Next Month Photo
JW3 Will Celebrate Bernard Kops Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 17, 2025

A year after his death, JW3 is celebrating the extraordinary life and works of the vital Jewish voice of  Bernard Kops next month. Learn more about the upcoming event here.
SUNSET BOULEVARD Movie Continues to Search for a Director Photo
SUNSET BOULEVARD Movie Continues to Search for a Director
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 10, 2025

On a recent appearance on What Happens Live, Glenn Close revealed that the long-awaited Sunset Boulevard movie continues to search for a director, despite having a 'brilliant script.'
BONNIE & CLYDE Starring Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann Comes to Cinemas in 20 Photo
BONNIE & CLYDE Starring Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann Comes to Cinemas in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2024

Bonnie and Clyde the Musical, starring Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, will come to cinemas in the UK next year. Learn more here!
SUNSET BLVD: THE ALBUM Hits #1 on UK Compilations Chart Photo
SUNSET BLVD: THE ALBUM Hits #1 on UK Compilations Chart
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 1, 2024

Following last week’s opening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BLVD. on Broadway, SUNSET BLVD: The Album (released through The Other Songs label), has topped the UK’s official compilations chart. Learn more!
Hunter Regian Launches New Entertainment Venture Photo
Hunter Regian Launches New Entertainment Venture
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024

Theatre producer Hunter Regian has just announced the launch of Regian Entertainment- a boutique firm focused on the many layers of theatrical business from producing, general management, consulting, event management to investor relations with more to come. Find out more about the new company here.
John O’Hurley, Rachael Harris & More Join Wayne Brady Led TO SIR, WITH LOVE Photo
John O’Hurley, Rachael Harris & More Join Wayne Brady Led TO SIR, WITH LOVE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2024

The cast is complete for the concert reading of the new musical To Sir, with Love starring Wayne Brady at the Garry Marshall Theatre. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
A History of Norma Desmond and the Women Who Have Played Her Photo
A History of Norma Desmond and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2024

As Broadway welcomes Sunset Boulevard back to the stage, and the newest Norma Desmond, Nicole Scherzinger, BroadwayWorld is taking an in-depth back on just some of the performers who have taken on the iconic role in the past.
Listen: SUNSET BLVD: THE ALBUM is Now Available to Stream or Download Photo
Listen: SUNSET BLVD: THE ALBUM is Now Available to Stream or Download
by Stephi Wild - Oct 25, 2024

Following the Broadway opening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BLVD. at the St. James Theatre, the all new cast recording, SUNSET BLVD: The Album, has been released. Listen here!
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez's Opening Night in SUNSET BOULEVARD Photo
Photos: Mandy Gonzalez's Opening Night in SUNSET BOULEVARD
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 24, 2024

This week, Drama Desk and OBIE Award winner Mandy Gonzalez made her first guest star appearance as ‘Norma Desmond’ in Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. See photos from Gonzalez's opening night here! 
IN THE HEIGHTS Original Cast Reunites For Mandy Gonzalez's SUNSET BOULEVARD Debut Photo
IN THE HEIGHTS Original Cast Reunites For Mandy Gonzalez's SUNSET BOULEVARD Debut
by Michael Major - Oct 24, 2024

Mandy Gonzalez's first Sunset Boulevard performance featured a star-studded audience of her former co-stars. Original cast members of In The Heights were in attendance at Gonzalez's first performance as Norma Desmond, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christopher Jackson, Robin de Jesús, Janet Dacal, Joshua Henry, Andrea Burns, Javier Muñoz, and more.
Photo: Mandy Gonzalez as 'Norma Desmond' in SUNSET BOULEVARD Photo
Photo: Mandy Gonzalez as 'Norma Desmond' in SUNSET BOULEVARD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024

Tonight, Drama Desk and OBIE Award winner Mandy Gonzalez will guest star as ‘Norma Desmond’ in Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. Get a first look at Gonzalez on stage with pictures of Mandy as Norma Desmond !
Photos: SUNSET BLVD Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway Photo
Photos: SUNSET BLVD Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 22, 2024

Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd, starring Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond' officially opened on Sunday, October 20 at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the stars arriving at opening night here!
Review Roundup: SUNSET BOULEVARD Opens On Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: SUNSET BOULEVARD Opens On Broadway
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 21, 2024

Director Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. starring Olivier Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond' opened tonight Sunday, October 20 at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Check out what the critics had to say here!
Photos: Demi Moore Visits SUNSET BOULEVARD on Broadway Photo
Photos: Demi Moore Visits SUNSET BOULEVARD on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 18, 2024

Demi Moore stopped by the new Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway recently, where she posed for photos with Nicole Scherzinger and the cast after the show. Check out the photos here!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Don Black written?

Don Black has written 17 shows including The Little Prince and the Aviator (Lyricist), Billy (Lyricist), Bar Mitzvah Boy (Lyricist), Song and Dance (Lyricist), Merlin (Lyricist), Dear Anyone (Lyricist), Abbacadabara (Lyricist), Budgie (Lyricist), Aspects of Love (Lyricist), Sunset Boulevard (Bookwriter), The Goodbye Girl (Lyricist), Dracula (Bookwriter), Bombay Dreams (Lyricist), Dance of the Vampires (Lyricist), Tell Me on a Sunday (Lyricist), Bonnie & Clyde (Lyricist), Tell Me on a Sunday (Lyricist).

What awards has Don Black been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Bonnie & Clyde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Bonnie & Clyde, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aspects of Love, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Song and Dance and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Merlin.

What awards has Don Black won?

Don Black has won the Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Sunset Boulevard, as well as the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards, also for Sunset Boulevard.

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