Who is Richard Charles Rodgers?

Richard Charles Rodgers (June 28, 1902–December 30, 1979), along with his frequent lyricist collaborator Oscar Hammerstein II, is considered one of the most significant American musical theatre composers of the 20th century, and their partnership is widely regarded as the "golden age" of musical theatre. He was also an accomplished composer of solo songs and scores for film and television. Rodgers was one of the few popular composers to gain equal stature as a serious composer.

Over a 40-year period, Rodgers wrote 42 Broadway musicals, more than 900 songs, three ballets, more than 40 film and television scores, and concert music. His compositions yielded such enduring standards as "My Funny Valentine", "Some Enchanted Evening", "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'", "Edelweiss", "Blue Moon", "The Lady Is a Tramp", "It's a Grand Night for Singing", and "Happy Talk".

Rodgers's collaborations with Hammerstein, including *Oklahoma!*, *Carousel*, *South Pacific*, The King and I, and *The Sound of Music*, are highly regarded by critics. These works are frequently revived and have been made into successful film adaptations. The duo won numerous Tony Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Rodgers was also the recipient of two Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.