John Treville Latouche

John Treville Latouche was an American lyricist, librettist, and poet, born on November 13, 1914, in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for his wit, sophistication, and lyrical inventiveness, Latouche brought a literary flair to American musical theatre. His collaborations with composers such as Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Moross, and Duke Ellington produced some of the most original works of mid-20th-century theatre.

Latouche’s early success came with the opera Cabin in the Sky (1940), written with composer Vernon Duke. The show, featuring an all-Black cast and rooted in gospel and jazz traditions, was a critical and commercial hit. Latouche’s lyrics struck a balance between earthy charm and spiritual yearning, helping to set a new tone for Broadway storytelling.

His most celebrated work remains The Golden Apple (1954), a musical written with Jerome Moross. The show was daring in its scope, blending mythological themes with a contemporary American setting and crafting sophisticated, all-sung lyrics that elevated the musical form. The song “Lazy Afternoon” became a standard and showcased Latouche’s sensual, poetic style.

Latouche also contributed lyrics to Candide (1956), working alongside Richard Wilbur and Bernstein. Though his lyrics for that show were eventually revised or replaced, his involvement in such an ambitious project underscored his status as a literary force in musical theatre. He also collaborated with composers of art song and wrote librettos for operas.

John Latouche died suddenly on August 7, 1956, at the age of 41. Though his life was brief, his legacy is long-lasting—his work continues to be studied and admired for its lyrical brilliance, theatrical daring, and imaginative range.