Date of Death: November 03, 2010 (81)
Birth Place: USA
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.
Jerry Bock, Fiddler On The Roof
Jerry Bock, She Loves Me
Jerry Bock , The Rothschilds
Jerry Bock, The Apple Treet
Jerry Bock, Fiddler on the Roof
Jerry Bock , Fiddler on the Roof
Jerry Bock, Fiorello!
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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