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Don Black

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BIO

Don Black OBE is a highly-acclaimed, Oscar-winning lyricist. His works have included movie themes, hit songs, and numerous musicals, including three with Andrew Lloyd Webber: Tell Me on a Sunday, Aspects of Love, and Sunset Boulevard, for which he received two Tony Awards for Best Book and Lyrics, together with Christopher Hampton.


Mr. Black's movie credits include themes for many James Bond films: Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun, "Surrender" from Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough. In collaboration with composer John Barry, he wrote the title song for the 1966 film Born Free, which won the Oscar for Best Song. He also collaborated with Barry on Out of Africa and Dances With Wolves. He has worked with Jule Styne, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein, Michael Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, Charles Aznavour and has had two U.S. number one hits: Michael Jackson's "Ben" and Lulu's "To Sir, With Love".
Mr. Black was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Photos

Productions

Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard
 
[West End, 2023]
Book and lyrics
The Third ManThe Third Man
 
[West End, 2023]
BOOK & LYRICS
Aspects of LoveAspects of Love
 
[West End, 2023]
Lyrics
Dance of the Vampires
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Lyrics
Budgie
 
[West End, 1988]
Producing Director

Writing

Abbacadabara
Lyricist
Billy
Lyricist
Budgie
Lyricist
Dear Anyone
Lyricist
Dracula
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Merlin
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Sunset Boulevard
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Movies

Where's Jack?
[ 1969 ] lyrics by
Diamonds Are Forever
[ 1971 ] lyrics
The Man with the Golden Gun
[ 1974 ] lyrics
Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze
[ 1975 ] lyrics by
Gulliver's Travels
[ 1977 ] writer
The Bitch
[ 1979 ] music and lyrics by
Thomas and the Magic Railroad
[ 2000 ] lyrics by
Aspects of Love
[ 2005 ] lyrics by
Archie
[ 2015 ] lyrics, songwriter
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical
[ 2024 ] lyrics by
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical
[ 2024 ] lyrics by

TV Shows

Read to Me, Heidi
Lyricist: lyrics
Read to Me, Heidi
Lyricist: lyrics

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Lyrics

Don Black, Bonnie & Clyde

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Bonnie & Clyde

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Musical Revival

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Book of a Musical

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Sunset Boulevard

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Aspects of Love

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Song and Dance

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Don Black, Merlin

Videos

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News


Cast Set For DECEIVED and BONNIE & CLYDE at Bay Street Theater Photo
Cast Set For DECEIVED and BONNIE & CLYDE at Bay Street Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2025

Bay Street Theater has announced the complete cast and creative teams for two of this summer's most daring theatrical events: the noir psychological thriller Deceived and the pulse-pounding musical Bonnie & Clyde.
Nicole Scherzinger Reveals What's Next After SUNSET BLVD; Wants a Movie Musical Photo
Nicole Scherzinger Reveals What's Next After SUNSET BLVD; Wants a Movie Musical
by Michael Major - Jun 11, 2025

Tony-winner Nicole Scherzinger is opening up about what she wants to do after her acclaimed performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, including films, music, and a movie musical.
SUNSET BLVD.'s Nicole Scherzinger Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Photo
SUNSET BLVD.'s Nicole Scherzinger Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
by - Jun 9, 2025

Nicole Scherzinger has won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for SUNSET BLVD.
SUNSET BLVD. Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical Photo
SUNSET BLVD. Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical
by - Jun 9, 2025

Sunset Blvd. has won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches Photo
Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards have arrived at last! As winners take the stage tonight, BroadwayWorld will be bringing you full text of all of the acceptance speeches. Read them in full here!
Video: Tom Francis Shares His Mom's Reaction to SUNSET BLVD Tony Nomination Photo
Video: Tom Francis Shares His Mom's Reaction to SUNSET BLVD Tony Nomination
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2025

Tom Francis, who has been nominated for a Tony Award for his acclaimed performance as Joe Gillis in the Broadway production of Sunset Blvd, recently visited TODAY to discuss the nomination and his experience with Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie. Check out the interview.
Video: Watch a Restored Trailer of Billy Wilder's SUNSET BOULEVARD Ahead of Cannes Pr Photo
Video: Watch a Restored Trailer of Billy Wilder's SUNSET BOULEVARD Ahead of Cannes Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2025

To mark the 75th anniversary of Bill Wilder's Sunset Boulevard, the cinematic masterpiece has been meticulously restored in 4K. Watch the restored trailer for the film, which serves as the basis for the hit musical, currently running on Broadway.
Video: Tom Francis Wasn't Familiar with SUNSET BLVD Before Joining the Show Photo
Video: Tom Francis Wasn't Familiar with SUNSET BLVD Before Joining the Show
by Josh Sharpe - May 13, 2025

With his first Tony nomination under his belt, Sunset Blvd. star Tom Francis visited The View to discuss the production, working with his co-star Nicole Scherzinger, and more. Watch the interview!
Video: Nicole Scherzinger Reflects on Overcoming Typecasting with SUNSET BLVD Role Photo
Video: Nicole Scherzinger Reflects on Overcoming Typecasting with SUNSET BLVD Role
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2025

With the continued success of Sunset Boulevard and now her first Tony nomination, Nicole Scherzinger visited CBS Morning to discuss the production and her gratitude in the midst of a deeply emotional and vulnerable role. Watch the interview!
Nicole Scherzinger Hints at SUNSET BLVD Film: 'There Has Been Some Talk' Photo
Nicole Scherzinger Hints at SUNSET BLVD Film: 'There Has Been Some Talk'
by Josh Sharpe - May 9, 2025

In a recent interview, Tony Award nominee Nicole Scherzinger revealed that there has been talk of a Sunset Boulevard film adaptation. 'That is my dream, so I’m manifesting that right now,' the performer noted.
Photos: BONNIE & CLYDE at Rubicon Theatre Photo
Photos: BONNIE & CLYDE at Rubicon Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025

RUBICON THEATRE is continuing its season with the U.S. Premiere of  the acclaimed West End version of the Tony Nominated musical BONNIE & CLYDE. Check out all new photos here!
Unpack the Tony Awards History of the 2025 Nominated Revivals Photo
Unpack the Tony Awards History of the 2025 Nominated Revivals
by Sidney Paterra - May 4, 2025

The results of the 2025 Tony races are very much still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been Tony-tested before. How did they fare?
SUNSET BLVD Will Release Nichole Scherzinger Special Edition Vinyl Photo
SUNSET BLVD Will Release Nichole Scherzinger Special Edition Vinyl
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

To mark its seven Tony Award nominations, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Blvd., currently playing at the St. James Theatre, will release a new, special edition of SUNSET BLVD: THE ALBUM, celebrating Nicole Scherzinger.
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List Photo
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!
New Adaptation of BONNIE & CLYDE Will be Presented at Rubicon Theatre Company Photo
New Adaptation of BONNIE & CLYDE Will be Presented at Rubicon Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 16, 2025

RUBICON THEATRE will continue the company’s extraordinary “Dare to Dream” Season with the U.S. Premiere of BONNIE & CLYDE, a new version of the Tony Nominated musical. Learn more!
Photos: MIDNIGHT COWBOY Begins Performances at Southwark Playhouse Elephant Photo
Photos: MIDNIGHT COWBOY Begins Performances at Southwark Playhouse Elephant
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2025

MIDNIGHT COWBOY celebrated its opening night at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The cast of MIDNIGHT COWBOY includes Max Bowden, Paul Jacob French and Tori Allen-Martin. See photos from opening night here!
Exclusive: SUNSET BOULEVARD Stars, Directors Reflect on the Show’s Traditional, Str Photo
Exclusive: SUNSET BOULEVARD Stars, Directors Reflect on the Show’s Traditional, Stripped-Down Stagings
by Oliver Oliveros - Feb 19, 2025

Known for its grand, dramatic score, “Sunset Boulevard,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Old Hollywood-themed musical, which is equally famed for its iconic lead character, Norma Desmond, has finally made its first season in Asia—after over 30 years since its world premiere in London.
Review: SUNSET BOULEVARD Is A Must-See Musical Revival Photo
Review: SUNSET BOULEVARD Is A Must-See Musical Revival
by Gilbert Kim Sancha - Feb 13, 2025

For a strictly limited season until 23 February 2025, the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, will be the home of the highly anticipated theatrical event 'Sunset Boulevard,' a musical based on the 1950 Paramount film by Billy Wilder with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.
BOB & JEAN: A TRUE LOVE STORY World Premiere & More Set for Bay Street Theater 2025 S Photo
BOB & JEAN: A TRUE LOVE STORY World Premiere & More Set for Bay Street Theater 2025 Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has revealed the entirety of the 2025 Summer Mainstage Season, featuring a world premiere and more. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Sarah Brightman Talks Becoming Norma Desmond, Bringing SUNSET BOULEVARD to Asi Photo
Video: Sarah Brightman Talks Becoming Norma Desmond, Bringing SUNSET BOULEVARD to Asia, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Sarah Brightman is returning to the role of Norma Desmond as Sunset Boulevard arrives in Singapore this February. In a new interview, Brightman talked about how she gets into character, and more.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Don Black written?

Don Black has written 17 shows including The Little Prince and the Aviator (Lyricist), Billy (Lyricist), Bar Mitzvah Boy (Lyricist), Song and Dance (Lyricist), Merlin (Lyricist), Dear Anyone (Lyricist), Abbacadabara (Lyricist), Budgie (Lyricist), Aspects of Love (Lyricist), Sunset Boulevard (Bookwriter), The Goodbye Girl (Lyricist), Dracula (Bookwriter), Bombay Dreams (Lyricist), Dance of the Vampires (Lyricist), Tell Me on a Sunday (Lyricist), Bonnie & Clyde (Lyricist), Tell Me on a Sunday (Lyricist).

What awards has Don Black been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Bonnie & Clyde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Bonnie & Clyde, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Sunset Boulevard, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aspects of Love, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Song and Dance and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Merlin.

What awards has Don Black won?

Don Black has won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Sunset Boulevard, as well as the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Sunset Boulevard.

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