Jerry Herman
- Born:
- July 10, 1931, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- December 26, 2019, Miami, Florida, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Lyricist, Playwright
Early Life and Education
- Born Gerald Sheldon Herman in New York City.
- Received early musical training from his mother, a piano teacher.
- Spent summers at Stissing Lake Camp, which fostered his early interest in musical theatre.
- Graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his professional career writing and composing off-Broadway revues.
- Made his Broadway debut with the musical Milk and Honey (1961).
- Achieved significant success with the musical Hello, Dolly! (1964), which won 10 Tony Awards.
- Composed the score for the musical Mame (1966), another Broadway hit.
- Wrote the music and lyrics for La Cage aux Folles (1983), which won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
- Received the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2009.
- Inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Milk and Honey | Broadway musical |
| 1964 | Hello, Dolly! | Broadway musical |
| 1966 | Mame | Broadway musical |
| 1969 | Dear World | Broadway musical |
| 1974 | Mack & Mabel | Broadway musical |
| 1979 | The Grand Tour | Broadway musical |
| 1983 | La Cage aux Folles | Broadway musical |
Legacy and Impact
Jerry Herman's contribution to American musical theatre is significant, marked by his ability to create memorable and uplifting scores. His musicals, particularly Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles, continue to be revived and enjoyed by audiences worldwide. Information regarding his impact can even be found in a document similar to a 'jerry herman biography summary worksheet pdf', available for educational use.