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Sheldon Harnick is a famous American lyricist and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre.
Born on April 30, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, Harnick grew up in a Jewish family and was exposed to music and theater from a young age. He attended Northwestern University where he studied music composition and later went on to serve in the Army during World War II.
Harnick began his career as a lyricist in the 1950s, working with composer Jerry Bock on several successful musicals. Their first collaboration was the hit show “The Body Beautiful” in 1958. However, it was their next project that would cement their place in musical theater history – “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“Fiddler on the Roof” premiered on Broadway in 1964 and became an instant classic.
The show’s score, featuring songs like “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” is considered one of the greatest in musical theater history. Harnick’s lyrics perfectly captured the spirit of the show’s themes of tradition, family, and change.
In addition to “Fiddler on the Roof,” Harnick and Bock also collaborated on other successful shows such as “She Loves Me” (1963) and “The Apple Tree” (1966).
Harnick also worked with other composers throughout his career, including Richard Rodgers (“Rex”), Michel Legrand (“A Christmas Carol”), and Joe Raposo (“A Wonderful Life”).
Throughout his career, Harnick has received numerous awards for his contributions to musical theater.
He has won three Tony Awards (for “Fiorello!,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “She Loves Me”) as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Drama (for “Fiorello!”). In 2016, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award for his contributions to the theater.
Sheldon Harnick Parents
Sheldon Harnick was born to American Jewish parents Esther (Kanter) and Harry M. Harnick, a dentist.
Sheldon Harnick Siblings
Sheldon Harnick has a brother called Jay Harnick.
