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Jerry Herman was an acclaimed American composer and lyricist, best known for his work in musical theater. "Hello, Dolly!" is one of his most famous and successful works. Here are some interesting facts about Jerry Herman and "Hello, Dolly!":

1. Career Success:

   • "Hello, Dolly!" premiered on Broadway in 1964 and became an instant hit. It won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, a record that stood for 37 years.

2. Inspiration for the Musical:

   • The musical is based on Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker," which itself was adapted from an earlier play of his called "The Merchant of Yonkers."

3. Title Song:

   • The title song, "Hello, Dolly!," became a signature piece for Louis Armstrong, who recorded a successful version of the song. The recording even knocked The Beatles off the top of the charts.

4. Jerry Herman's Other Works:

   • Jerry Herman is also known for other successful musicals like "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles." His music is characterized by its catchy tunes and uplifting melodies.

5. Record-Breaking Performances:

   • Carol Channing originated the role of Dolly Levi on Broadway, and her performance became iconic. She reprised the role multiple times and holds the record for the most performances by an actress in a single role.

6. Revivals and Adaptations:

   • "Hello, Dolly!" has seen several successful Broadway revivals, including a 2017 production starring Bette Midler, who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Dolly.

7. Tony Awards Record:

   • Jerry Herman is one of the few musical theater composers to have three musicals run for more than 1,500 consecutive performances on Broadway. The other two are "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles."

8. Cultural Impact:

   • The musical has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Its songs, especially "Hello, Dolly!," are frequently used in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

9. Film Adaptation:

   • "Hello, Dolly!" was adapted into a film in 1969, starring Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi. Although the film was not as successful as the stage production, it has gained a following over the years.

10. Legacy:

    • Jerry Herman's contribution to musical theater has left a lasting legacy. His work continues to be celebrated, and his impact on the genre is recognized as significant.

Jerry Herman's talent and the success of "Hello, Dolly!" have secured his place in the history of American musical theater. The enduring popularity of the musical attests to the timelessness of his compositions.