Cy Coleman

Date of Birth: June 14, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 18, 2004

Biography

Cy Coleman, born Seymour Kaufman, was an acclaimed American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist. He was born on June 14, 1929, in New York City, New York. Coleman’s career in music began at an early age; he was a child prodigy who performed at Carnegie Hall by the age of 7. He studied music at the New York College of Music and later at the Juilliard School. Coleman is best known for his work on Broadway musicals. Some of his most famous works include “Sweet Charity,” “City of Angels,” and “The Will Rogers Follies.” His collaborations with lyricists like Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, and David Zippel resulted in numerous hits that have become standards in the American musical theater repertoire. Throughout his career, Coleman received multiple Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and a Drama Desk Award, among other accolades. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1981. Coleman passed away on November 18, 2004, but his music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Cy Coleman

1. Cy Coleman was a child prodigy who performed at Carnegie Hall at the age of 7.

2. He initially pursued a career as a jazz pianist before transitioning to composing for Broadway.

3. Coleman won three Tony Awards for Best Original Score during his career.

4. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1981.

5. Coleman also wrote popular songs outside of Broadway, including “Witchcraft” and “The Best Is Yet to Come,” which were famously performed by Frank Sinatra.