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David Shire

Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA

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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.

David Shire Photos

David Shire STAGE CREDITS

David Shire 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

David Shire Movies

[1975]The Fortune music adaptor

[1975]The Hindenburg music score

[1976]Harry and Walter Go to New York Piano Player

[1982]The World According to Garp music adaptor

[1988]Vice Versa music by

David Shire Videos

David Shire News


Barbara Morrison's Final Blues Album Released

Legendary Jazz and Blues singer Barbara Morrison’s final album titled BLUES MAMA! is released into all online streaming stores. The long time Los Angeles resident died March 16, 2022 while working on this album recording with Producer David Longoria and an all-star blues ensemble The Legacy.

Therese Lee's RIDING THE BUS TO THE RED CARPET to Return to Don't Tell Mama in October

THERESE LEE  will return to New York for an encore performance of RIDING THE BUS TO THE RED CARPET which received the 2023 Bistro Award for Outstanding Autobiographical Show. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Which Shows Had the Biggest Overhaul From Out-of-Town Tryout to Broadway Opening?

This time, the reader question was: which Broadway shows had the biggest overhaul from their out-of-town tryout to their Broadway opening?

Santino Fontana, Nathan Lane, Judy Kuhn & More to Join Classic Stage Company 2023 Gala

Sarah L. Douglas of SLD Associates and John Weidman (CSC’s I Can Get It For You Wholesale) will be honored at CSC’s 2023 Gala. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets!

Christopher Sieber, Santino Fontana, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. Check out the full lineup here!

MEDEA: RE-VERSED World Premiere, THE COUNTRY WIFE & More Set for Red Bull Theater 2023-24 Season

RED BULL THEATER has unveiled its 2023-’24 season, including a world premiere opening Off-Broadway and much more. See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets!

Photos: John Minnock Performs at 54 Below

See photos of John Minnock performing at 54 Below!

McKenzie Stubbert to Release 'Waiting Room' on Friday

On the composer's long-gestating new album, Waiting Room, a rich and elegiac song cycle that draws upon film scores, neoclassical piano, and minimalist composers of the late twentieth century, McKenzie has found that honesty. It will be released on LP/cd/digital and showcases Stubbert’s textured approach and toy box take on the neo-classical style.

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL HARVARD-YALE CANTATA to Play 54 Below in September

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will again present a cast of Harvard and Yale grads and current students in The Eighth Annual Harvard-Yale Cantata: The Eras Tour. To celebrate the Eras, we are including writers and performers from the last eight decades. This show is a competition of Harvard alumni vs. Yale alumni, as performers and writers.

Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells & More to Headline York Theatre Company Gala

Get all the details on the star-studded lineup for York Theatre Company's 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, including Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells, and more. Find out when and where the event will take place.

Emily Skinner, Lesli Margherita & More to Join IN THE WORKS~IN THE WOODS FESTIVAL

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Broadway veterans Emily Skinner, Lesli Margherita, and more join the talented cast of IN THE WORKS~IN THE WOODS FESTIVAL. Don't miss out on this star-studded event happening soon!

Isaac Mizrahi, Jason Danieley, Adam Pascal, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret, honor the music of Broadway, and provide an unparalleled experience to diverse communities.

John Minnock Continues Annual Tradition at 54 Below Next Month

Renowned jazz vocalist and award-winner John Minnock announces an electrifying show at the esteemed 54 Below featuring musical compatriot, NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Dave Liebman on August 18, 2023 at 9:30 PM.

Josh Dela Cruz, Danielle Hope, and Jon Jon Briones Will Star in WATERFALL in Thailand

Waterfall: A New Musical, inspired by the Thai musical Behind the Painting and based upon the novel by Sriburapa, will play at Bangkok's Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre this fall.

Review: Liz Callaway A Diamond In Every Way In SCREEN GEMS at 54 Below

Just when you think it's just going to be a set of songs from the movies...

RIDING THE BUS TO THE RED CARPET to Return to Los Angeles in August

THERESE LEE will return to L.A. for an encore performance of  RIDING THE BUS TO THE RED CARPET which received the 2023 Bistro Award for Outstanding Autobiographical Show.

York Theatre Company Will Honor Patti LuPone and Jamie DeRoy at Gala Evening This November

The York Theatre Company will honor musical theater legend Patti LuPone with the 2023 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theater and producer Jamie deRoy with The York Theatre Company Founders' Award at the 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala.

Venezuelan-Costa Rican PERFORMER, OSCAR ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ, in the new production of IN THE HEIGHTS at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival launches it's Main Stage summer season with the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights with a fabulous cast including VENEZUELAN PERFORMER, OSCAR ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ.

Forestburgh Playhouse's In The Works~In The Woods Reveals Production Lineup

The third annual In the Works~In the Woods at Forestburgh Playhouse, (under the leadership of Franklin Trapp, Producing Artistic Director for the Forestburgh Playhouse and Broadway veteran Matt Lenz, Festival Artistic Director and Director of Creative Development), will be held September 8 through 10.

Photos: Vocalist John Minnock Fills Birdland Theater

See photos of John Minnock performing at Birdland Theater!

David Shire FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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 .

Best Off Broadway Music (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Closer Than Everand Best Off Broadway Music (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Closer Than Ever.

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