Jerry Herman American composer and lyricist Date of Birth: 10.07.1931 Country: USA

Biography of Jerry Herman

Jerry Herman, born on July 10, 1931, in New York City, is an American composer and lyricist known for his work in Broadway musical theater. He grew up in a musically gifted Jewish family and learned to play the piano from an early age. Accompanied by his parents, he frequently attended Broadway musicals.

In his teenage years, Jerry had the opportunity to work at his parents' "Stissing Lake Camp" in the Berkshire Mountains, where he gained his first experience in theatrical productions. He tried his hand at directing shows such as "Oklahoma!," "Finian's Rainbow," and "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."

At the age of 17, Jerry met renowned composer Frank Loesser, who encouraged him to continue writing music after hearing his material. After completing high school, Jerry initially enrolled at Parsons School of Design but later decided to pursue his passion for theater at the University of Miami. There, he wrote and staged a successful student musical called "Sketchbook," which became the most successful production in the university's history.

After graduating from the university, Jerry returned to New York and produced a revue based on his material from Miami in a theater in Greenwich Village. The show opened on October 18, 1954, and ran for 48 performances. Unfortunately, it was the only musical his mother had the opportunity to see before she passed away from cancer at the age of 44. Jerry spent the following year in deep mourning.

In 1957, while playing the piano in a jazz club, Jerry was asked to prepare a replacement show. He composed the music and wrote the libretto for a one-hour revue called "Nightcap" and also directed it. The show went on to have a successful run for two years.

Jerry made his Broadway debut in 1960 with the revue "From A to Z," which he co-wrote with fellow Broadway newcomers Woody Allen and Fred Ebb. Later that year, producer Gerard Oestreicher approached him to create a show about Israel. The result was his first full-length Broadway musical, "Milk and Honey," which received critical acclaim and ran for 543 performances.

In 1964, Jerry achieved immense success with the musical "Hello, Dolly!" The original production ran for 2,844 performances, setting a record at the time, and won 10 Tony Awards. This record was only surpassed 37 years later by "The Producers," which won 12 Tonys. Jerry continued to deliver hits with musicals such as "Mame" (1966), "Dear World" (1969), "Mack & Mabel" (1974), and "The Grand Tour" (1979), which, although not as commercially successful, were highly regarded for their concept and excellent music.

In 1983, Jerry created his mega-hit "La Cage aux Folles," which broke all box office records and earned him his second Tony Award for Best Musical. Additionally, many of Jerry's melodies have become pop standards. Today, he divides his time between Los Angeles and Florida. In 1985, he was diagnosed with HIV, but experimental therapy helped him survive, and he is currently in good health for his advanced age.