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Fred Ebb Headshot

Fred Ebb

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

As a writer, lyricist, composer and director, Fred Ebb made incalculable contributions to the New York theatrical community. Mr. Ebb is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Olivier and Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award winning recipient. Fred Ebb's first professional songwriting assignment came in 1953 when he and Phil Springer were hired by Columbia Records to write a song for Judy Garland called "Heartbroken." Mr. Ebb was introduced to composer John Kander in 1964 by music publisher Tommy Valando and became one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history. The first successful collaboration was on the song "My Coloring Book," recorded by Barbra Streisand. Their second theatrical collaboration, Flora, the Red Menace, created a star out of Liza Minnelli in her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut. In 1966, their collaboration Cabaret, opened and received seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. A 1972 movie version of Cabaret starring Liza Minnelli was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won eight awards and was nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards and won three including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. The same year, the songwriting team wrote a number of songs for Minnelli's television special "Liza With a Z," which received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program - Variety or Popular Music. In 1975, the two wrote the Broadway musical Chicago, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. The musical was successfully revived 20 years later at City Center ENCORES! and subsequently transferred to Broadway where it is currently the longest running revival in Broadway history. In 1977, the team collaborated with Martin Scorsese on the movie New York, New York; the title song was introduced by Minnelli and later recorded by Frank Sinatra becoming the unofficial theme song of New York City. The Minnelli Broadway vehicle The Act also opened that year. After a four-year absence, Mr. Ebb and Mr. Kander returned with Woman of the Year (1981), The Rink (1984), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985) and Steel Pier (1997). They were honored by the Kennedy Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Miramax's 2002 feature film Chicago was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture and was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards and won three, including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.


STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Off-Broadway], 1973
Performer


Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2014]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[West End, 2006] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1967]
Additional Material

Writing

Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Additional Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Author
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Visit

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Music

Fred Ebb, The Scottsboro Boys

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Curtains


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Fred Ebb

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Curtains


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - The American Express Tribute

Fred Ebb

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Steel Pier


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Woman of the Year

Olivier Awards - 1979 - Musical of the Year

Fred Ebb, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Act

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Book of a Musical

Fred Ebb , Chicago

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Lyrics

Fred Ebb, Zorba

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, The Happy Time


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Musical

Fred Ebb, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fred Ebb, Cabaret

Videos

News


Photos: Inside the 2025 Fred Ebb Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025

The Fred Ebb Foundation presented the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce and Veronica Mansour. Go inside the event in new photos.
Víctor Palmero se convierte en el nuevo Maestro de Ceremonias del KIT KAT KLUB
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 2, 2025

El actor se incorpora a la superproducción inmersiva de LETSGO en el UMusic Hotel Madrid, donde interpretará el emblemático rol todos los viernes y sábados a las 17:00 h hasta el 10 de enero.
Whitney Leavitt Will Join the Broadway Cast of CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Dec 1, 2025

The Broadway company of Chicago will welcome “Dancing with the Stars” semi-finalist and actress/breakout star of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Whitney Leavitt.
Robyn Hurder Will Return to CHICAGO Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Nov 26, 2025

Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder is set to return to the cell block! Hurder will return to the role of “Velma Kelly” in the Broadway cast of Chicago next month. Learn more here!
Video: Watch Alex Newell Sing 'When You're Good to Mama' in CHICAGO
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025

Chicago the Musical has released a new video of Alex Newell singing 'When You're Good to Mama.' Newell recently joined the show alongside Tony-nominee Kate Baldwin as 'Roxie Hart.'
Photos: Kate Baldwin and Alex Newell in CHICAGO on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

You can now get a first look at new photos of two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin as Roxie Hart, Tony Award winner Alex Newell as Matron 'Mama' Morton and more in Chicago on Broadway.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Soundtrack Now Available on CD
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is now available on CD. The album was released in streaming and digital platforms last month and will be available on Friday, December 19.
Photos: First look at New Albany High School Theatre’s CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION
by Jerri Shafer - Nov 21, 2025

Chicago: Teen Edition transports us to the roaring twenties, where Roxie Hart, a chorus girl with big ambitions, murders her unfaithful lover and convinces her devoted husband, Amos, to take the blame—until he realizes the truth. Sent to death row, Roxie encounters fellow “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly, and the two fierce rivals battle for fame, headlines, and ultimately, freedom.
CHICAGO, KINKY BOOTS and More to Return to Mirvish Stages This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Due to popular demand, David and Hannah Mirvish will present the return of four Broadway musicals to the Mirvish stages next spring!  These Toronto audience favourites include Chicago and more.
STEEL PIER to be Presented at Orange County School Of The Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025

Orange County School of the Arts Hal Struck Musical Theatre Conservatory students will  present their rendition of the John Kander and Fred Ebb Tony Award-nominated musical 'Steel Pier'.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Sets November Digital Release
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 10, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 adaptation of the Broadway musical, will arrive on digital platforms on November 11, 2025. The digital release will retail for $14.99 in standard definition and $19.99 in high definition. 
Adam Gwon Will Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

Award-winning musical theatre writer Adam Gwon will offer a Master Class next week as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights. Learn more here!
Review: CABARET at B. Iden Payne Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - Nov 7, 2025

UT’s Cabaret is precise, captivating, and haunting. Eavenson’s Sally Bowles dazzles, Burk’s Cliff grounds the story, and Gonima’s Emcee delivers chilling irony. The production is a mirror of history, not a period piece.
Photos: Alex Newell & Kate Baldwin Get Ready to Join CHICAGO
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 6, 2025

Broadway’s long-running hit Chicago is getting ready to welcome two new stars to the Ambassador Theatre this fall. Two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin steps into the role of Roxie Hart beginning Monday, November 10, 2025. One week later, Tony Award winner Alex Newell joins the cast as Matron “Mama” Morton on Monday, November 17. They just met the press ahead of their Chicago debuts and you can check out photos below.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 4, 2025- RAGTIME and More Join Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
by - Nov 4, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 4, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Sophie Boyce and Veronica Mansour to Receive the 21st Annual Fred Ebb Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025

The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the 21st annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Sophie Boyce & Veronica Mansour.
Point Park to Launch Songwriters Cabaret Series With Inaugural Event At Greer Cabaret Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025

Point Park University's Musical Theatre Department will debut a brand-new Songwriters Cabaret Series, offering students the chance to perform in premier venues throughout their time at Point Park.
Where Are All Of the New Musicals This Season?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 2, 2025

Only two new musicals are opening on Broadway in the first half of the 2025-2026 season: The Queen of Versailles and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). There has been much discourse on the topic of whether rising capitalization costs and the rareness of full recoupment is impacting the number of new musicals being produced on Broadway. 
The Green Room 42 Will Present FOR A DAY OF SKY In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 31, 2025

The Green Room 42 will present for a day of sky on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m., a one-night-only concert celebrating rarely heard songs by some of musical theatre’s greatest composers.
Jacob Stuckelman and Andrew Patino Launch 'Regular People' Creative Studio
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025

Producers Jacob Stuckelman and Andrew Patino have formed Regular People, a creative studio that connects producing, marketing, and general management for live entertainment all under one roof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Fred Ebb written?

Fred Ebb has written 34 shows including By Jupiter (Additional Material), Put It in Writing (Material), Morning Sun (Bookwriter), Flora, the Red Menace (Lyricist), Go Fly a Kite (Lyricist), Cabaret (Lyricist), The Happy Time (Lyricist), Zorba (Lyricist), 70, Girls, 70 (Bookwriter), An Evening with Fred Ebb and John Kander (Lyricist), Liza (Bookwriter), Chicago (Bookwriter), Shirley MacLaine (Bookwriter), 2 by 5 (Lyricist), The Act (Lyricist), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), Woman of the Year (Lyricist), The Rink (Lyricist), Diamonds (Lyricist), How Lucky Can You Get? (Lyricist), And the World Goes 'Round (Lyricist), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Lyricist), Steel Pier (Lyricist), Over and Over (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Minnelli on Minnelli (Bookwriter), The Visit (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Curtains (Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb (Lyricist), The Scottsboro Boys (Lyricist), Come Fly Away (Lyricist), New York, New York (Lyrics).

What awards has Fred Ebb been nominated for?

Fred Ebb has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Scottsboro Boys," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Curtains," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Curtains," The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Steel Pier," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Rink," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Woman of the Year," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Act," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "Zorba," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Happy Time," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Cabaret," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."

What awards has Fred Ebb won?

Fred Ebb has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on The Scottsboro Boys. He was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. The Helen Hayes Awards presented him with The American Express Tribute. Ebb's musical Kiss of the Spider Woman won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was also recognized with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production. Additionally, Ebb won the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for Woman of the Year. He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards for Zorba. Lastly, Ebb's musical Cabaret won the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and he was honored with the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for this production as well.

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Videos