Marvin Hamlisch

Marvin Hamlisch (June 2, 1944 – August 6, 2012) was an American composer and conductor whose extraordinary talent and versatility made him one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. Born in New York City to Viennese Jewish immigrants, Hamlisch was a child prodigy who was accepted into the Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division at the age of six. His early musical gifts laid the foundation for a prolific career that would span Broadway, Hollywood, and the concert stage.

Hamlisch first gained major attention in the 1960s and quickly became a sought-after composer and arranger in the film industry. His breakout success came with the score for The Way We Were (1973), which earned him two Academy Awards—for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (shared with lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman). That same year, he won a third Oscar for adapting Scott Joplin’s ragtime music for The Sting. His ability to move fluidly between lush romantic melodies and period-specific sounds distinguished him as a unique musical storyteller.

On Broadway, Hamlisch made his most enduring impact with the groundbreaking musical A Chorus Line (1975), for which he composed the score. The show was a critical and commercial phenomenon, winning nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Songs like “What I Did for Love” and “One” became theatrical standards. Hamlisch also composed for other musicals, including They’re Playing Our Song, Smile, The Goodbye Girl, and Sweet Smell of Success, all marked by his signature melodic flair and emotional insight.

Hamlisch’s career brought him nearly every major award in entertainment. He was one of the few people to achieve EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—and he also received a Pulitzer Prize. Beyond composing, he was a prominent conductor for major symphonies, including as principal pops conductor for orchestras in Pittsburgh, Dallas, Pasadena, and San Diego.

Marvin Hamlisch passed away suddenly in 2012 at the age of 68. His legacy endures through his unforgettable melodies, pioneering work in musical theatre, and lasting contributions to American film and culture. A consummate musician and a passionate advocate for the arts, Hamlisch remains a towering figure in the world of music and performance.