A Prolific Career

Strouse’s career, which lasted over seven decades, is marked by significant achievements in various media, including Broadway hits like Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie. He also composed for films such as Bonnie and Clyde and animated features like All Dogs Go to Heaven, as well as the iconic television series All In The Family.

His musical creations contributed profoundly to the American songbook, with memorable melodies like “Put on a Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie and “Tomorrow” from Annie. “Those Were The Days,” the beloved theme song from All In The Family, remains one of television’s most recognizable opening numbers.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on June 7, 1928, in New York City, Strouse was the son of Ethel and Ira Strouse. After completing his education at the Eastman School of Music in 1947, he studied under the mentorship of legendary composer Aaron Copland at Tanglewood. Later, he was awarded a scholarship to work with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, further shaping his musical prowess.

Collaborations and Notable Works

Strouse’s enduring partnership with lyricist Lee Adams began in 1949 and marked the onset of a fruitful career. Their first major breakthrough came with the production of Bye Bye Birdie in 1958, a satirical musical that earned them their first Tony Award. The show featured classics like “Put On A Happy Face” and has seen several adaptations, including a successful film version starring Ann-Margret.

• Key Productions:
  • Applause (1970) – based on All About Eve, earning Strouse a second Tony Award.
  • Annie (1977) – which garnered seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and became a cornerstone of American theatre.

Acknowledgments and Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, Strouse received numerous accolades, including three Tony Awards and an Emmy Award for the television adaptation of Bye Bye Birdie. His works not only filled stages but also enriched popular music through various collaborations, notably with Mel Brooks in All American and with Fred Tobias on the hit song “Born Too Late.”

Strouse was also instrumental in nurturing new talent through the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, founded in 1977. His autobiography, Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir, published in 2008, offers insights into his remarkable journey in the arts.

Conclusion

As we remember Charles Strouse, we celebrate a composer whose influence transcended generations. His music continues to inspire, entertain, and evoke nostalgia, encapsulating the essence of American musical theatre.

A private memorial will be held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in New York City, honoring a life dedicated to the art of music.