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American composer who revolutionized musical theater, creating some of the most beloved and enduring Broadway shows of the 20th century. Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) was an American composer renowned for his significant contributions to musical theater. He achieved legendary status through two major collaborations: first with lyricist Lorenz Hart (1919-1943), producing sophisticated and witty shows like 'Babes in Arms' and 'Pal Joey', and later with lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II (1943-1960), creating integrated musical dramas that defined the genre, including 'Oklahoma!', 'Carousel', 'South Pacific', 'The King and I', and 'The Sound of Music'. Rodgers also composed independently after Hammerstein's death. He is one of only two people (alongside Marvin Hamlisch) to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize.

• His first major collaboration with Lorenz Hart was incredibly productive but marred by Hart's severe alcoholism and personal struggles, which eventually made him unreliable. Rodgers famously gave Hart an ultimatum to work on 'Oklahoma!', which Hart refused, leading directly to the partnership with Hammerstein.
• The Rodgers and Hammerstein partnership became the most successful in Broadway history, fundamentally changing musical theater by integrating song, story, and dance to advance plot and develop character ('Oklahoma!' is often cited as the first fully integrated musical). Their shows tackled serious social issues like racism ('South Pacific') and authoritarianism ('The King and I').
• Rodgers faced significant personal challenges, including battles with depression and cancer of the jaw (requiring disfiguring surgery). He continued working after Hammerstein's death in 1960, collaborating with others like Stephen Sondheim ('Do I Hear a Waltz?') and writing both music and lyrics for 'No Strings', for which he won two Tony Awards. He died in 1979 from complications following cancer surgery.