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Fred Ebb Headshot

Fred Ebb

Date of Death: September 11, 2004 (71)

Birth Place: USA

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Fred Ebb 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.


Fred Ebb STAGE CREDITS

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

Fred Ebb 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

Fred Ebb 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

Fred Ebb Videos

Fred Ebb News


Robyn Hurder Will Miss Performances of CHICAGO Due to a Hamstring Injury

Robyn Hurder has taken to social media to share that she will be missing some upcoming performances of Chicago due to a hamstring injury.
Adam Lambert and Auli'i Cravalho Will Join CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB This Fall

GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert and 'Moana' star Auli’i Cravalho will make their respective Broadway debuts as ‘Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ this Fall in the Tony Award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre. We have all of the details here!
Pompano Players Professional Theater Company to Launch at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center

The Pompano Players debut at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, bringing a dynamic lineup of theatrical performances to the community. Discover their upcoming shows and experience local talent on stage.
PHOTOS: CHICAGO se estrena en Málaga

La gira de CHICAGO continúa por España con su segunda parada, que permanecerá en Málaga hasta el 4 de agosto, y gracias a la cuenta de Instagram oficial del Teatro Cervantes de Málaga hemos podido ver las fotos del estreno de Daniel Pérez, con Teresa Abarca, Ela Ruiz, Jaime Zatarain, Inma Cuevas, A. Bolea y Ángel Saavedra.
See Laura and Linda Benanti & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock

I don’t have the proper words to express my elation felt at Actors Theatre of Little Rock’s immersive production of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL, which runs through July 27. If you do not have your tickets, get them now. It’s selling out fast, and you don’t want your experience of this show to be from listening to your friends about how great it was. Seriously, this group of performers have developed magic in the basement of the Quapaw United Methodist Church, and I absolutely love love love this show! 
Photos: SUFFS Celebrates 100 Performances on Broadway

Shaina Taub's Tony-winning musical, Suffs, just celebrated its 100th performance on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre. See photos of the company's celebration here.
Ariana Madix Adds Six Performances to CHICAGO Return Engagement

TV personality, actress and author Ariana Madix will add six more performances to her return in the role as 'Roxie Hart' in Chicago on Broadway. Learn more about when you can catch her in the show here!
Meet CABARET's 'Emcee' Understudies, David Merino and Marty Lauter

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre has released the performance schedule for understudies David Merino and Marty Lauter, who will alternate the role of ‘Emcee’ through the end of August.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 10, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
SUFFS Interrupted By Demonstrators Calling the Show 'A White Wash'

Last night's performance of SUFFS was interrupted by demonstrators holding a banner in one of the boxes at the Music Box Theatre. The banner read 'SUFFS is a whitewash' and was coupled with chants urging the show to be cancelled.
Listen: Deluxe Album of IN PIECES: A NEW MUSICAL Available Now

Broadway Records has released a new deluxe version of the hit album In Pieces: A New Musical (Highlights) featuring music by Joey Contreras and including 8 original songs not included on the 2021 release. In Pieces is an anthology musical weaving the romantic journeys of six people across three chapters of life. Listen to the album now!
Linda Eder, Laura and Linda Benanti, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
NYU's Skirball Center to Honor Steven Lutvak With Performances & Tributes in July

NYU Skirball Center will honor the late Tony Award-winning composer Steven Lutvak, the musical mind behind the Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Learn more and see how to attend.
CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Reveals Schedule for 'Emcee' & 'Sally Bowles' Alternates

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre has revealed performance schedule for the alternates playing the roles of the ‘Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ through the end of August.
Kelli O'Hara, Alex Newell & More to Star in Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 Season

The 92nd Street Y, New York has revealed the new Lyrics & Lyricists season and a slate of American Songbook concerts. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CABARET Comes to Actor's Express in July

Actor’s Express will continue its 36th season with the hit musical Cabaret with book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fredd Ebb. Actor’s Express transforms into the Kit Kat Club, a decadent hotspot in anything-goes 1929 Berlin.
Video: SUFFS Celebrates Shaina Taub's History Making Tony Wins

On Sunday night, composer Shaina Taub took home the Tony Awards for 'Best Book of a Musical' and 'Best Score' for her outstanding work on Suffs. See the show celebrate their history-making author! Watch the video!
Final Performances Set For CHICAGO in Canberra

Pre-sales for the final performances of CHICAGO in Canberra have begun today, with general public tickets on sale from Friday 21 June. One of Australia’s favourite musicals, CHICAGO, will play at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 7 to 29 September, the first time a professional production of the Broadway favourite has played in Australia’s capital city.
Video: Shaina Taub Talks Tony Win for Best Book/Score of a Musical

Earlier tonight at the 77th Annual Tony Awards, Shaina Taub took home a Tony Award for 'Best Book of a Musical' for her outstanding work on Suffs (currently running at the Music Box Theatre). Watch what happened afterwards in this video!

Fred Ebb 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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