Henry Krieger

Henry Krieger is a celebrated American composer best known for his powerful contributions to musical theatre, particularly through his work on Broadway hits that spotlight soulful melodies, emotionally rich storytelling, and diverse voices. Born on February 9, 1945, in New York City, Krieger developed an early passion for music and began writing songs in his youth. He studied at American University in Washington, D.C., and returned to New York in the early 1970s to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant theatre scene. His blend of pop, gospel, and R&B influences would become a signature of his musical style.

Krieger’s breakthrough came with the Broadway smash* Dreamgirls* (1981), for which he composed the score. With a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls tells the story of a 1960s girl group’s rise to fame, loosely inspired by the Supremes. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning Krieger a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score and producing the iconic song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” made famous by Jennifer Holliday. The musical went on to win six Tony Awards and later became a hit 2006 film adaptation, for which Krieger contributed new songs.

Following Dreamgirls, Krieger teamed up again with Tom Eyen on The Dirtiest Musical in Town and Kicks: The Showgirl Musical, though these works did not reach the same level of success. However, Krieger returned to Broadway acclaim with Side Show (1997), a musical with book and lyrics by Bill Russell. The show, which follows the lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Score. Though its original run was brief, Side Show developed a devoted following and received a well-regarded Broadway revival in 2014.

Krieger’s other theatrical credits include Kept and Everything’s Ducky, and he has continued to mentor and collaborate with emerging writers and artists in the theatre community. His music is known for its vocal power, emotional resonance, and capacity to illuminate stories of outsiders and underrepresented voices, often celebrating perseverance and self-worth.

Henry Krieger’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to blend the soul of pop and gospel with the structure and depth of musical theatre. His scores have launched iconic performances and touched generations of audiences. Whether through Dreamgirls, Side Show, or his ongoing creative contributions, Krieger remains a vital and respected figure in the landscape of American musical theatre.