Last night all 40 theaters on Broadway dimmed their marquee lights to honor the passing of a musical legend. Composer Marvin Hamlisch, whose award-winning talent was in great demand in both Hollywood and on Broadway, died at the age of 68 on Monday, August 6th.
Mr. Hamlisch became absorbed by music at an early age, beginning by playing the piano when he was 5. By age 7, he had been admitted to the The Juilliard School. Thus began a long and fruitful career which garnered him 4 Emmys, 4 Grammys, 3 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, 1 Tony, and a Pulitzer Prize.
Working on over 50 films, Mr. Hamlisch composed scores for such Hollywood hits as The Sting and The Way We Were, and many of his songs earning wide popularity beyond the films in which they were featured. On Broadway, he received the Pulitzer Prize for A Chorus Line. Mr. Hamlisch served as Musical Director on tours for both Barbara Streisand and Linda Ronstadt. He also co-wrote Aretha Franklin's hit "Break It to Me Gently."
Marvin Hamlisch's final project had just been completed: the score for Steven Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra. He is survived by his wife, Terre Blair, and a rich musical legacy which shall endure far beyond his 47-year career.