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David Shire

Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA

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BIO

David Shire is a multi-talented composer, songwriter, and pianist known for his work on Broadway, film, and television. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1937, Shire began playing the piano at a young age and went on to study music at Yale University.


Shire's Broadway career began in 1964 with the musical "Here's Where I Belong." Although the show was short-lived, Shire's music caught the attention of producer Harold Prince, who would go on to collaborate with Shire on several successful productions. In 1970, Shire and Prince teamed up for the musical "Company," which earned Shire his first Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score. The show's iconic songs, including "The Ladies Who Lunch" and "Being Alive," have become staples of the musical theater canon.
Shire's next major Broadway success came in 1975 with "Starting Here, Starting Now," a musical revue featuring his music and lyrics. The show received rave reviews and earned Shire another Tony nomination for Best Original Score. Shire continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with credits including "Baby" (1983) and "Big" (1996).
In addition to his work on Broadway, Shire has composed music for numerous films and television shows. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "It Goes Like It Goes" from the 1979 film "Norma Rae." Shire also composed the scores for films such as "The Conversation" (1974), "All the President's Men" (1976), and "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975).
Shire's television credits include the theme song for the popular sitcom "The Nanny" and the score for the miniseries "The Kennedys of Massachusetts." He also composed the music for the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York.
Shire's talent as a composer and songwriter has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to his Tony and Academy Award nominations, he has won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for his work on the 1985 album "Continental Divide." Shire was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999.
Beyond his work in music, Shire is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He has been involved with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and has served on the board of the New York Foundation for the Arts. Shire and his wife, actress and singer Didi Conn, founded the organization Autism Speaks after their son was diagnosed with autism.
At 84 years old, David Shire's contributions to the world of music continue to be celebrated. His work on Broadway, in film, and on television has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and his commitment to social justice and advocacy has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Composer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1963]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1961]
Orchestrations/Arrangements
 
[Off-Broadway, 1961]
Music Arranger
Orchestrator

Writing

Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer

Movies

The Fortune
[ 1975 ] music adaptor
The Hindenburg
[ 1975 ] music score
Harry and Walter Go to New York
[ 1976 ] Piano Player
The World According to Garp
[ 1982 ] music adaptor
Vice Versa
[ 1988 ] music by

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Shire, Big


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Off Broadway Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Off Broadway Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever

Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Music

David Shire, Closer Than Ever

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Music

David Shire, Baby

Videos

News


Video: 'Overripe Fruit' From ABOUT TIME At Goodspeed Opera House
by Joshua Wright - Jun 2, 2025

Watch brand new video of the cast of Goodspeed's About Time as they perform, 'Overripe Fruit!' Maltby and Shire's About Time will run through June 15, 2025 The Terris Theatre.
Melissa Errico Sets Live Dates with Julian Ovenden, Alec Baldwin, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 2, 2025

Tony Award-nominated performer Melissa Errico has announced a wide array of upcoming shows from Sondheim in the City at the Princeton Festival on June 8 to The Fitzgeralds with Alec Baldwin in East Hampton, NY on August 16 and beyond.
Video: Highlights From ABOUT TIME At Goodspeed Opera House
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2025

Watch brand new video of the cast of Goodspeed's About Time as they perform, 'Faster' in the rehearsal room! Maltby and Shire's About Time will run through June 15, 2025 The Terris Theatre.
Melissa Errico To Return To 54 Below With A Tribute To Streisand
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

54 BELOW will welcome back Broadway and cabaret star Melissa Errico in the fall with a tribute to Barbra Streisand. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Video: ABOUT TIME In Rehearsal At Goodspeed Opera House
by A.A. Cristi - May 17, 2025

Watch brand new video of the cast of Goodspeed's About Time as they perform, 'Faster' in the rehearsal room! Maltby and Shire's About Time will run May 24 – June 15, 2025 The Terris Theatre.
ALL EYES ON: LAINIE KAZAN Richard Jay-Alexander Shares His Chat and Visit With The Iconic Star As She Celebrates Her 85th Birthday
by Richard Jay-Alexander - May 15, 2025

Ms. Kazan was on my radar for as long as I can remember when I started to get interested in theatre, music and show business and had “secret” subscriptions to magazines that focused on those passions.
Darius de Haas and More to Star in ABOUT TIME at Goodspeed Musicals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the cast for About Time, a new musical revue about life, love and laughter in your third act. See who is staring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Adam Gopnik to Perform Three-Night Theatrical Event at Lincoln Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 30, 2025

Adam Gopnik’s New York, a special three-night theatrical event with best-selling author and legendary New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik, will play at The Clark Studio Theater at Lincoln Center. Learn more!
The Wallis Will Host 2025-26 Scott Dunn Orchestra Season Concerts
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025

The Scott Dunn Orchestra (SDO) has its inaugural concert at the Bram Goldsmith Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts next month.
Maltby and Shire's ABOUT TIME and More Set for Goodspeed Musicals 2025 Season at The Terris
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

Goodspeed Musicals will present a season of two brand new musicals at The Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets here!
Melissa Errico to Bring THE STORY OF A ROSE To D.C. Region
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Tony Award-nominated Broadway actress Melissa Errico will take the stage at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on May 7, with her mesmerizing new musical presentation, The Story of a Rose: A Musical Reverie on The Great War.
Casting Set for BABY and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Front Porch Theatricals
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 8, 2025

Front Porch Theatricals has announced casting for their 2025 season, featuring Baby and Sunday in the Park With George. Learn more about the productions and how to get tickets here!
Interview: Melissa Errico's Valentine's Day Residency Returns to Birdland
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 29, 2025

In cabaret master Melissa Errico's hands, familiar songs are recast as 'intimate conversations and private reflections,' perfect for a Valentine's Day weekend with your family, partner or friends. Read a conversation about the show, love, and more.
Richard Maltby, Jr. And David Shire's ABOUT TIME to Have Industry Concert Presentation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 6, 2024

Out of the Box Theatrics will present three industry concert presentations of About Time, the final installment in the Starting Here, Starting Now and Closer Than Ever song trilogy. Learn more!
20 Great Audition Songs for Mezzos
by Sarah Lasko - Dec 3, 2024

If you’re a mezzo, it can feel overwhelming to find material you love that hasn’t already been sung to death. There’s so much great audition material for mezzos, and much of it is already in everyone’s audition book. Find great audition songs for mezzo-sopranos here!
Society Of Composers & Lyricists To Present Awards To Giorgio Moroder, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, and More
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2024

The Society of Composers & Lyricists announced Giorgio Moroder will receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Jeff Beal to receive SCL Ambassador Awards.
Chronicles of a Girl Singer, Part 2: DARK AND LIGHT
by Guest Blog: Melissa Errico - Nov 13, 2024

Errico writes about the summits and shoals of a performer’s life as she embarks on her ongoing “Sondheim in The City” tour. In this entry, she takes on a completely different assignment—an evening of film noir music, in the City of Angels itself.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2024

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: NORM LEWIS at The Barns At Wolf Trap
by David Friscic - Oct 21, 2024

A veneer of unabashed professionalism, musical prowess, and often amusing self-reflection enveloped the Broadways star Norm Lewis (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, etc.) as he delighted the audience at The Barns at Wolf Trap. Norm Lewis’ rich and resonant baritone voice is a natural wonder of the musical world ----Lewis’ expressive baritone spans the range between tenor and bass with exceptional fluidity yet concurrent control.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has David Shire written?

David Shire has written 16 shows including The Sap of Life (Composer), The Sap of Life (Composer), How Do You Do, I Love You (Composer), Love Match (Composer), Baby (Composer), Starting Here, Starting Now (Composer), Urban Blight (Composer), Urban Blight (Composer), Closer Than Ever (Composer), Shmulnik's Waltz (Music), The Loman Family Picnic (Music), Big (Composer), Saturday Night Fever (Composer/Lyricist), Take Flight (Composer), Waterfall (Music), Sousatzka (Music).

What awards has David Shire been nominated for?

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Big, Best Off Broadway Music (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Closer Than Ever, Best Off Broadway Music (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Closer Than Ever, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Closer Than Ever and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Baby.

What awards has David Shire won?

David Shire won the Best Off Broadway Music award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Closer Than Ever.

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