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Fiddler on the Roof composer passes away

Fiddler on the Roof composer passes away

Jerry Bock, who was the composer of the highly successful Fiddler on the Roof musical, has died. He was 81.

Mr. Bock wrote some of his most successful scores in partnership with lyricist Sheldon Harnick.

They came together in the late 50s and one of their first shows was The Body Beautiful (1958).

Their first major hit on Broadway was Fiorello! which was based on the life of former New York mayor, Fiorello La Guardia.

The show won six Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize.

Fiddler on the Roof was to be Mr. Bock’s greatest triumph. The original production starred Zeo Mostel and ran for over three thousand performances.

The show went on to win nine Tony Awards with Mr. Bock and Mr. Harnick being named as Best Composer and Lyricist.

However, their working partnership came to an end at the beginning of the 1970s following a dispute about their musical The Rothschilds.

Mr. Bock is survived by his wife Patricia, his son George and daughter Portia.

 

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