Jerry Herman

Date of Birth: July 10, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 26, 2019

Biography

Jerry Herman was an American composer and lyricist, best known for his work in musical theater. Born on July 10, 1931, Herman grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, and showed an early interest in music. He attended the University of Miami, where he majored in drama and began composing for student productions. Herman’s professional career took off in the 1960s with the success of his first Broadway musical, “Milk and Honey” (1961). However, he is most celebrated for his work on “Hello, Dolly!” (1964), “Mame” (1966), and “La Cage aux Folles” (1983). These productions earned him multiple Tony Awards and cemented his reputation as a master of catchy melodies and uplifting themes. Herman’s music is characterized by its optimism and celebratory nature, often providing a sense of joy and resilience. His influence on musical theater is profound, and his songs have become standards, performed by generations of artists. Jerry Herman passed away on December 26, 2019, but his legacy lives on through his timeless contributions to musical theater.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Herman

1. Jerry Herman was one of only two composers/lyricists in history to have three musicals run more than 1,500 consecutive performances on Broadway.

2. He received the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2009.

3. Herman was openly gay and an important figure in the LGBT community, especially during the AIDS crisis.

4. His song “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage aux Folles” became an anthem for the LGBT rights movement.

5. He was a philanthropist, actively supporting AIDS research and organizations like Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Herman

1. “I have a sneaking suspicion that if there were a way to make it possible for people to sing all their dialogue, it would change a lot of lives.”

2. “There is no better audience in the world than the Broadway audience.”

3. “I have written with a sense of optimism, a sense of hope, a sense of joy, and to see that validated by audiences and critics alike has been a great joy.”

4. “The best thing you can do when you’re not feeling funny is go shopping.”

5. “I didn’t want to write a musical about despair and sadness. I wanted to write about characters who faced life with a positive outlook.”