Sheldon Harnick

Composer

Birthday April 30, 1924

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Chicago, IL

DEATH DATE Jun 23, 2023 (99)

#125,798 Most Popular

About

Lyricist and composer best known for his work on Fiorello! and Fiddler on the Roof, two hit musicals. His original song "If I Were a Rich Man" has accumulated over 1 million streams on Spotify. 

Before Fame

He graduated from Northwestern University's School of Music in 1949. He wrote The Merry Minuet, which was a hit for the Kingston Trio.

Trivia

He won three Tony Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He contributed to over 30 stage productions throughout his prolific career. 

Family Life

He married Elaine May in 1962, but the couple divorced a year later. He then married Margery Gray in 1965. He has a daughter named Beth.

Associated With

He and composer Jerry Bock collaborated on Fiddler on the Roof and Fiorello!, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.