Fred Ebb Headshot

Fred Ebb

Date of Death: September 11, 2004 (71)

Birth Place: USA

Get Fred Ebb Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


Review Roundup: LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY Documentary

Wednesday saw the world premiere of the new documentary chronicling the life and career of Broadway legend Liza Minnelli at the Tribeca Festival. Critics in attendance have begun to reveal their thoughts on the film.
Liza Minnelli Documentary Premieres at Tribeca Festival 2024

The new Liza Minnelli documentary 'Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story' premieres at Tribeca Festival 2024. See what Minnelli shared about the films premiere!
Tony-Nominee Robyn Hurder Extends CHICAGO Run

Chicago on Broadway has just announced that Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder (A Beautiful Noise, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) has extended her stay on the cell block! The Tony Award-nominee will continue in the role of “Velma Kelly” through Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Ambassador Theatre.
Video: Eddie Redmayne Recalls an Audience Member Asking Him for a Selfie During CABARET

On Tuesday, Eddie Redmayne stopped by Late Night With Seth Meyers to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which is now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. In Cabaret, Redmayne plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. During the interview, he discussed his long attachment to the material and a time when an audience member asked him for a selfie during a performance. Watch the interview here!
SUFFS Releases New Block of Tickets Through January 5

Suffs has released a new block of tickets on sale now! Tickets for the 6x Tony-nominated musical are now on sale through January 5, 2025.
Video: Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin Talk CABARET Tony Nominations

Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. In Cabaret, Redmayne plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. He performs alongside Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, replacing Jessie Buckley from the West End production. Watch the full interview!
Review: THE BAKER'S WIFE Is Full of Flavor at Ridgefield Theater Barn

This thoroughly enchanting production, replete with two strong leads and a 14-piece orchestra, triumphs in its simplicity of story brought alive with an easy-on-the-ears, tuneful Schwartz score
Listen: SUFFS Original Broadway Cast Recording is Available Now

Suffs (Original Broadway Cast Recording), the official musical companion to the 6x Tony Award-nominated new musical from award-winning singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, is available now! Listen to the full album here!
Pacific Conservatory Theatre Reveals Summer Season 60

PCPA has announced the lineup for its Summer Season 60, from June 13th through September 8th, 2024, at Solvang Festival Theater and Marian Theatre in Santa Maria.
Liza Minnelli Documentary to Feature Lost Footage

Tribeca 2024 will see the world premiere of a new documentary centered on the legendary Broadway performer, Liza Minnelli. According to a new interview with director Bruce David Klein, viewers will be privy to new footage that was buried, of all place, in Minnelli's closet.
JUDY GARLAND: A CELEBRATION 3 CD/2 LP Set To Be Released in July

Trapeze Music & Entertainment Limited/Acrobat Music has announced the release on July 5, 2024 of the 3-CD 73 track album Judy Garland: A Celebration, selections of which are included on the first volume of an LP of the same name. C
ArtsCentric to Present Area Premiere of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS Beginning This Month

ArtsCentric in Baltimore has announced the area premiere of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, a powerful musical running June 28 - July 21, 2024. The show tells the true story of nine African American teens falsely accused in 1930s Alabama.
Jennifer Lopez Cancels Summer Tour to 'Be With Her Children, Family and Close Friends'

Jennifer Lopez has announced that she will no longer be embarking on her summer tour, effectively canceling all 30 shows. This follows a previous cancellation of seven dates in March. In support of her new album, This is Me...Now, the tour would have been her first North American tour in five years.
Ana Villafañe Sings 'U-Haul' From WHERE WE ARE By Rae Covey

Watch Ana Villafañe perform 'U-Haul' from Rae Covey's song cycle WHERE WE ARE.
CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB on Broadway- A Complete Guide

Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway.
Screening Details Released for Liza Minnelli Documentary at Tribeca

Tribeca 2024 will see the world premiere of a new documentary centered on the legendary Broadway performer, Liza Minnelli. The film brings the dazzling, complex period of Liza’s life in the 1970s, just after the tragic death of her mother, into focus. Liza confronts a range of personal and professional challenges on the way to becoming a bonafide legend. Find the Tribeca screening details here!
CHICAGO Celebrates 35,000 Performances Worldwide

The record-breaking hit Chicago is celebrating 35,000 performances worldwide. The first tour of Chicago launched in 1997 and has continued in both North America and abroad ever since.
CABARET Understudies To Go On For Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin This Summer

Cabaret understudies are set to go on as the Emcee and Sally Bowles for dates in June and July! Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Watch Anson Bagley Perform 'Ohio' From IN PIECES: A NEW MUSICAL Deluxe Album

Broadway Records is set to release 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. The first single available now is a version of Contreras’ exuberant song of youthful infatuation, “Ohio,“ this time performed by cast member Anson Bagley. Watch the new video!
CT Virtuosi to Present BRAZIL IN MOTION Season Finale In Hartford, New Britain

CT Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra will present 'Brazil in Motion,' a vibrant season finale in Hartford and New Britain, celebrating Brazilian music and culture with captivating performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

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.

Get Fred Ebb Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos