The name of Richard Rodgers is legendary in American musical theater. His contributions were extraordinary and he received awards including Pulitzers, Tonys, Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. He wrote more than 900 songs and 40 Broadway musicals.
His professional credits began when he was 18 and spanned the next six decades. His earliest works were done in collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart, and the two averaged two musicals per season along with scores for Hollywood movies.
When Hart died, Rodgers hooked up with another lyricist in a partnership that was to be even more famous: Oscar Hammerstein II. Together, they are credited with forming a new genre-the musical play. Their partnership is often hailed as the most successful one in Broadway musical history and the musicals they produced are still well-known and loved.
Rodgers died at the age of 77 in 1979. Since his death he has appeared on a postage stamp and been recognized by Time and CBS News as among the 20 most influential artists of the 20th Century.