Sherman Edwards

Sherman Edwards was an American songwriter, composer, and lyricist best known for creating the music and lyrics for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical 1776. Born on April 4, 1919, in New York City, Edwards began his career as a jazz pianist and pop songwriter in the 1950s and 60s, writing hits for popular artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Mathis, and Patti Page.

Despite his success in the pop music world, Edwards had a passion for American history, which ultimately inspired him to create 1776, a musical dramatization of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Collaborating with librettist Peter Stone, Edwards brought the Founding Fathers to life through music and lyrics, highlighting their debates, personalities, and the gravity of their decisions. The show premiered on Broadway in 1969 and was both a critical and commercial success, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical.

1776 remains Edwards’ most significant theatrical work, celebrated for its historical depth, wit, and emotional resonance. Sherman Edwards passed away on March 30, 1981, but his contributions to musical theatre and American storytelling continue to resonate with audiences today