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Fred Ebb Headshot

Fred Ebb

Date of Death: September 11, 2004 (71)

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


A Guide to Upcoming Movie Musicals- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, GUYS & DOLLS & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025

Though many are eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good, there are plenty of other upcoming movie musicals to get Broadway fans on their feet, some of which we will see before November. Take a look at our guide to all upcoming movie musicals!
Interview: Kim David Smith Celebrates New Album, MOSTLY MARLENE, at Joe's Pub
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 13, 2025

Kim David Smith, the provocative international singer and actor, will release the new album Mostly Marlene in digital and streaming platforms on 3/21. Smith will celebrate the album’s release with a special New York concert at Joe’s Pub that night.
Video: Marisha Wallace Performs 'Maybe This Time' From CABARET
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

An all new video has been released of Marisha Wallace performing 'Maybe This Time' from Cabaret as part of the The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals. Check out the video here!
Ashley Graham Will Make Her Broadway Debut as 'Roxie Hart' in CHICAGO
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025

Chicago will welcome supermodel, author, and entrepreneur Ashley Graham, making her Broadway debut in the role of “Roxie Hart” beginning next month. Learn more here!
Lynne Charnay to Celebrate 100th Birthday With Performance at Don't Tell Mama
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

On the evening of her 100th birthday, legendary performer Lynne Charnay will take the stage at Don't Tell Mama. Learn more about the upcoming performance!
CHICAGO Comes to the Wharton Center
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

CHICAGO is coming to East Lansing. Enjoy CHICAGO on Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall stage next month. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
Photo: New Look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Michael Major - Mar 11, 2025

See a new look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The photo cuts off Peck's eyes, not yet making it clear if the country music singer will don one of his classic masks for his performance.
CHICAGO Comes to the Washington Pavilion This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

CHICAGO will arrive at the Washington Pavilion this month. Tickets are on sale now for four performances from March 27–29.  Learn more about the show here!
5-Star Theatricals to Present LIFE IS A CABARET Fundraiser to Honor Harry Selvin
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2025

5-STAR THEATRICALS will present a special 30thAnniversary Gala Celebration, LIFE IS A CABARET, honoring the life of philanthropist Harry Selvin. Learn more and see how to attend.
Theatre444 Announces Auditions for New Musical
by Emmy Rice - Mar 9, 2025

Theatre444 has announced auditions for a new contemporary musical; In Pieces, written and composed by Fred Ebb Award Finalist and Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist, Joey Contreras.
Photos: CABARET At New Jewish Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025

NJT will open its 27th season with the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Check out photos from the production, directed by NJT's Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet.
Photo: New Look at Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in CABARET
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025

See a new look at Eva Noblezada in character as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The Great Gatsby alum joins the Broadway revival alongside Orville Peck. See new photos of her in in Sally Bowles' fuzzy green jacket and purple costume.
Norm Lewis, André De Shields, & More Nominated for 2025 MAC Awards - See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has revealed the 39th Annual MAC Awards. Check out the full list of nominees, which includes Norm Lewis, André De Shield, and more!
Lakewood Theatre Company Reveals 73rd Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025

Lakewood Theatre Company will begin its 73rd season with six productions on its Mainstage and three productions on its Side Door Stage beginning July 11, 2025.   Season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are now available for current subscribers.
Video: Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace in CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB UK
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025

Watch exclusive footage of Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace in CABARET at London's Kit Kat Club. Discover production details and secure your tickets now for this must-see musical event.
THRILL ME Comes To The Pieter Toerien Theatre at Monte in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

Pieter Toerien will present Stephen Dolginoff's internationally acclaimed murder-musical, THRILL ME: The Leopold & Loeb Story at Montecasino next month. Learn more here!
CHICAGO Begins In March At Fox Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

Broadway's favorite razzle-dazzle smash hit musical, CHICAGO will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 18–19, 2025.
Photos: Eva Noblezada & Orville Peck Get Into CABARET Costume
by Michael Major - Feb 26, 2025

A first look at Eva Noblezada and Orville Peck in Cabaret has been revealed. The production has shared first look photos of the pair in costume, teasing a first look at Peck without his iconic mask on.
Jason Kravits to Host The 40th Annual Bistro Awards Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2025

The 40th Annual Bistro Awards Gala will honor Grammy Award-nominated jazz-cabaret singer Sandy Stewart, and more. Learn more about the awards and see how to attend.
CABARET To Open 2025 Season at NJT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2025

NJT will open its 27th season with the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Directed by NJT's Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet in her first musical production for the theatre,

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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