Richard Rodgers is known to most people as just Rodgers as in Rodgers and Hammerstein and Rodgers and Hart. Inspired by the words of his legendary lyricist partners, Rodgers scored the music for many of Broadway's biggest musical hits--Carousel, The Sound of Music, The Boys from Syracuse, Oklahoma!--to name just a few. What this biography makes clear is that it was a far from simple man who composed the simple, infectious melodies that have kept generations of musical theatergoers humming long after the curtain closes. As a small child Rodgers had a knack for melody making and by the age of 17 heard his first song reverberate against the walls of Broadway. But his light, lilting melodies belied an often dark and brooding soul, a man who closed himself off even from those to whom he was closest. Oscar Hammerstein once remarked: "We've worked together all these years and I don't really know him."
Richard Rodgers is clearly a labor of love. Author William Hyland spent the majority of his professional life working at the CIA, the State Department, and the White House and later edited Foreign Affairs. The book reverentially analyzes Rodgers's evolutionary musical style and his contribution to American culture, yet Hyland seems loathe to broach subjects that might tarnish Rodgers's image--the moody, at times clinically depressed, difficult to work with Rodgers is assiduously kept in the wings. Still, the book offers insight into the creative process and is a pleasurable stroll for fans of musical theater.
Theatrical licensing for the musical, String, with book by Sarah Hammond, and music and lyrics by Adam Gown, is now available, alongside the release of its six-song original studio cast recording
Physical media collectors can now get their hands on My Favorite Things, the 80th-anniversary concert celebrating the partnership of renowned composer and lyricist Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Directed for the screen by five-time BAFTA® winner Julia Knowles, the event included iconic songs from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, and more, performed by stars of the stage and screen.
Trapeze Music & Entertainment Limited/Acrobat Music has announced the release on July 5, 2024 of the 3-CD 73 track album Judy Garland: A Celebration, selections of which are included on the first volume of an LP of the same name. C
Available for the first time in the nearly 60 years since they were introduced, the four 1960s vocal albums from Lainie Kazan are now streaming on all digital platforms.
Center Stage Records will re-release four classic Jessica Molaskey albums – Pentimento, A Good Day, Make Believe, and Sitting in Limbo. Learn more about these albums and see how to listen!
Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.
Celebrate the holiday season with Stephanie J. Block's debut album 'Merry Christmas, Darling.' Don't miss out on this must-have addition to your holiday music collection.
Discover the latest collaboration between The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and stories, as they release a new EP featuring beloved musical theater classics. Stream the timeless tunes on your favorite platforms now.
Discover the latest release from composer Joe Iconis, featuring a star-studded lineup including Aaron Tveit, Andrew Rannells, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. Stream or purchase this highly anticipated album now and immerse yourself in the world of musical theater brilliance.
Discover the exciting partnership between Concord Music Publishing and Concord Theatricals as they sign composer Jaime Lozano. Learn how this exclusive deal will bring Lozano's music to stages worldwide, and why it's a game-changer for the industry.
GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS announced that Album, the acclaimed recording by musical theater virtuoso Joe Iconis, will be released in a special vinyl box set on Friday, August 18.
The next Musical Theatre Melodies broadcast, hosted by Rob Morrison on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, May 30 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical ME AND JULIET from the original 1953 Broadway cast recording starring Isabel Bigley, Bill Hayes, Joan McCracken, Mark Dawson, Arthur Maxwell and Bill Fortier.