Jerry Bock

Date of Death: November 03, 2010 (81)

Birth Place: USA

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Jerry Bock BIO

Jerry Bock was an American composer best known for his work in musical theater. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 23, 1928, Bock showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later at the Manhattan School of Music.

Bock's first success in musical theater came in 1955 with the production of "Catch a Star," which he wrote with lyricist Larry Holofcener. However, it was his collaboration with lyricist Sheldon Harnick that would bring him his greatest success. The two first worked together on the 1958 musical "The Body Beautiful," but it was their next collaboration that would become a Broadway classic.

In 1960, Bock and Harnick teamed up with writer Joseph Stein to create "Fiddler on the Roof," a musical based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem. The show was a smash hit, running for over 3,000 performances on Broadway and winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The score, which included such classic songs as "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset," is still beloved by theater fans today.

Bock and Harnick continued to work together throughout the 1960s, creating such shows as "Fiorello!" (which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama), "She Loves Me," and "The Apple Tree." They also wrote the score for the 1971 film "The Rothschilds," which was based on their 1966 musical of the same name.

In addition to his work in musical theater, Bock also wrote music for television and film. He composed the score for the 1962 film "Tender Is the Night," as well as for several episodes of the TV series "Mr. Magoo" and "The Bell Telephone Hour."

Bock's career continued into the 21st century, with revivals of his classic shows and new productions of his work. In 2004, a Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" starred Alfred Molina as Tevye and was well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Sadly, Jerry Bock passed away on November 3, 2010, at the age of 81. His contributions to the world of musical theater are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to live on through his timeless scores and beloved shows.

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Jerry Bock Videos

Jerry Bock News


FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, NOISES OFF & More Set for Palo Alto Players 2024-25 Season

Palo Alto Players has revealed its 94th season titled SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIONS THEATRE! See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Desert Theatricals

Desert Theatricals 'Fiddler' stands tall and breathes LIFE into old TRADITIONS.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

Review: SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre

What did our critic think of SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre?

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Cast Set For BEAR SNORES ON at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced the full cast for the world premiere stage adaptation of Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s Bear Snores On, with book by Cush Jumbo and Katy Sechiari, and music & lyrics by Harry Blake.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Ritz Theatre Company is Something to Think About and Something to Drink About

The world surrounding the small shtetl of Anatevka is changing. Conflict draws near, and Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, must navigate this changing terrain, raising five daughters and, ultimately, his faith in this unforgettable, classic musical. The original Broadway production, directed by Jerome Robbins and starring Zero Mostel, won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

Laura Benanti, Kate Baldwin & More to Join Celebration of Sheldon Harnick at 54 Below

The life and legacy of Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick will be celebrated at 54 Below. See who is starring in the concert and learn how to purchase tickets!

Ben Fankhauser and Lee Harrington to Lead Gulfshore Playhouse's SHE LOVES ME - Full Cast Announced!

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cast of 'She Loves Me,' set to open in March 2024.

Photos/Video: First Look At FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre has released first look photos and video of its final show of the 2023/2024 season, the beloved Fiddler on the Roof.

Review: Hale Centre Theatre's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is Artfully, Attentively Staged

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy resists the urge to simply replicate what has been done before, yet still celebrates what is so beloved about the piece. The artful presentation feels intimate and emotionally resonant, which is unexpected for such a large-scale production.

Spotlight: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at The Gateway in Bellport

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At The Gateway in Bellport!

SHE LOVES ME Comes to the Historic Royal Theatre, February 15-25

The Royal Players present 'SHE LOVES ME' at the Historic Royal Theatre in Benton, AR from February 15-25, 2024. Don't miss this charming and romantic musical comedy with an old-world elegance.

Cast Set for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre has revealed the cast of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Elizabeth Margolius. See photos below!

Video: Get a First Look at FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse

Get a first look at footage of Fiddler on the Roof at Paper Mill Playhouse!

VIDEO: Director Mark S. Hoebee Talks FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse

Watch Paper Mill's Associate Artistic Director, Jen Bender, interview Producing Artistic Director and the director of Fiddler on the Roof, Mark S. Hoebee here!

Video: Paper Mill Playhouse Discusses FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Watch as Paper Mill Prologues gives their audience extra insight and context for their production of Fiddler on the Roof!

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse-See this Excellent Musical Theatre Gem

An exceptional production of Fiddler on the Roof is being performed at Paper Mill Playhouse through January 7, 2024.

Interview: Real-Life Married Couple Alexandra Socha & Etai Benson Share the Stage in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

BroadwayWorld interviews Alexandra Socha and Etai Benson about taking on the roles of Motel and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof at Paper Mill Playhouse. Explore their real-life relationship and the joys of working together on stage.

Photos: First Look at Jordan Gelber, Jill Abramovitz, Alexandra Socha, Etai Benson, and More in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse

Check out photos of Jordan Gelber, Alexandra Socha, Etai Benson, and more in Fiddler on the Roof at Paper Mill Playhouse!

Jerry Bock FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jerry Bock has written 21 shows including Catch a Star (Composer), Mr. Wonderful (Composer), The Body Beautiful (Composer), Joy Ride (Composer), Fiorello! (Composer), Tenderloin (Composer), Never Too Late (Lyricist), Man in the Moon (Composer), She Loves Me (Composer), To Broadway with Love (Composer), Fiddler on the Roof (Composer), The Apple Tree (Bookwriter), Her First Roman (Composer), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Composer), The Rothschilds (Composer), Mostly Sondheim (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Rothschild & Sons (Music).

Jerry Bock has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "Fiddler On The Roof" and "She Loves Me," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "The Rothschilds" and "The Apple Tree," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Fiorello!," and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof."

Jerry Bock, the renowned Broadway composer, has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "She Loves Me," the Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof," the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof," and another Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiorello!". These accolades highlight Bock's exceptional talent and contributions to the world of musical theater.

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