David Shire

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.