Composer Charles Strouse has died aged 96

Charles Strouse has died aged 96.

A celebrated American composer and lyricist, Strouse was born in New York City and trained under renowned composers including Aaron Copland and Nadia Boulanger. He rose to prominence with his first Broadway hit, Bye Bye Birdie (1960), written with lyricist Lee Adams, which earned him his first Tony Award.

Strouse’s career spanned over five decades, during which he composed scores for more than 30 musicals. His most iconic works include Applause (1970), which won him a second Tony, and Annie (1977), featuring the timeless anthem “Tomorrow,” which garnered him a third Tony and two Grammy Awards. He also wrote the theme song “Those Were the Days” for the TV show All in the Family.

Strouse was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame.