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American composer best known for creating some of Broadway's most beloved and enduring musical scores.Born in New York City, Strouse studied music at the Eastman School of Music and with luminaries like Aaron Copland and Nadia Boulanger. His career skyrocketed with the massive success of 'Bye Bye Birdie' (1960, Tony Award) and cemented his legacy with the global phenomenon 'Annie' (1977, Tony Award). He composed numerous other musicals, film scores, and popular songs over a prolific six-decade career.

• His first Broadway show, 'Bye Bye Birdie' (with lyricist Lee Adams), was a surprise smash hit, launching the careers of Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera and winning Strouse his first Tony Award.
• 'Annie', written with Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan, became a cultural juggernaut. Its anthem 'Tomorrow' is one of the most recognizable songs in musical theater history, though Strouse reportedly disliked its simplistic nature initially.
• Despite huge successes, Strouse also experienced notable flops, including experimental works like 'Dance a Little Closer' (1983) which closed opening night, and 'Nick & Nora' (1991). He continued writing into his later years, including an autobiographical musical.
• He died of natural causes at his home in Southampton, New York, at the age of 94, having profoundly shaped American musical theater.