Richard Rodgers

Richard Charles Rodgers (1902 -1979) was an American composer of music for more than 900 songs and for 43 Broadway musicals. He also composed music for films and television. 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 up to the present day, and have an enduring broad appeal.

Rodgers was the first person to win the top show business awards in television, recording, movies and Broadway—an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. He also won a Pulitzer Prize, making him one of two people to receive each award.

Alec Wilder wrote the following about Rodgers:

"Of all the writers whose songs are considered and examined in this book, those of Rodgers show the highest degree of consistent excellence, inventiveness, and sophistication...[A]fter spending weeks playing his songs, I am more than impressed and respectful: I am astonished."

Richard Rodgers is a member of the American Theater Hall of Fame.