Gerald "Jerry" Herman
- Born:
- July 10, 1931, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- December 26, 2019, Miami, Florida, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Lyricist, Songwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born to Harry and Ruth Herman, who ran a summer camp for children.
- His parents encouraged his early interest in music and theater.
- Attended the High School of Music & Art (now Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts) in New York City.
- Graduated from the University of Miami in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career writing revues and off-Broadway musicals.
- Made his Broadway debut with the musical "Milk and Honey" in 1961.
- Achieved significant success with the musical "Hello, Dolly!" in 1964, winning multiple Tony Awards.
- Followed with another hit, "Mame," in 1966.
- Later works included "Dear World" (1969), "Mack & Mabel" (1974), and "La Cage aux Folles" (1983).
- Won multiple Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and other accolades for his work.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Notable Works
Musicals
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Milk and Honey | 1961 |
| Hello, Dolly! | 1964 |
| Mame | 1966 |
| Dear World | 1969 |
| Mack & Mabel | 1974 |
| La Cage aux Folles | 1983 |
Notable Songs
- "Hello, Dolly!"
- "Mame"
- "I Won't Send Roses" (from Mack & Mabel)
- "The Best of Times" (from La Cage aux Folles)
- "I Am What I Am" (from La Cage aux Folles)
Legacy and Impact
Jerry Herman was a celebrated composer and lyricist whose contributions significantly impacted the American musical theater. His memorable melodies and optimistic themes have resonated with audiences for generations. The impact of his work is frequently studied when looking at things such as a 'jerry herman biography summary worksheet pdf' in educational settings.