Richard Rodgers Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life, Career
A behind-the-scene look at the life of Richard Rodgers.
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Richard Rodgers was a celebrated composer, especially known for his collaborations with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. A born musician, he started picking up melodies by ear and began playing piano by the age of three. He composed the music for his first show at the age of fourteen. Later, he entered Columbia University, where he met Harts and began to collaborate with him, forming a partnership that lasted for more than two decades. However, it was not until he was twenty-three that they could taste real success, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated songwriter-composer duos, writing music for numerous successful musicals and films until Hart’s untimely illness and death. Thereafter, Richard Rogers began working with Oscar Hammerstein II, giving many hits such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music. Today, he is remembered not only for his beautiful melodies, but also for his contribution to the American musical theater.

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Richard Charles Rodgers

Died At Age: 77

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Dorothy Rodgers (m. 1930–1979)

father: Dr. William Abrahams Rodgers

mother: Mamie Rodgers (Levy)

children: Linda Rodgers Emory, Mary Rodgers

Born Country: United States

Died on: December 30, 1979

place of death: New York, New York, United States

Diseases & Disabilities: Heart Attack, Cancer Of Jaw, Laryngectomy

Notable Alumni: Columbia College (New York)

Ancestry: German American

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: Columbia College (New York)