Broadway Legend Charles Strouse, Composer of ‘Annie’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ Dies at 96

May 16, 2025: Charles Strouse, the celebrated composer and lyricist behind some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals including Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96. His death was confirmed by family spokesperson Jim Byk, as reported by The New York Times.

A towering figure in American musical theatre, Strouse had a prolific career spanning decades, composing music for more than 30 musicals—14 of which made it to Broadway. His first major success came with Bye Bye Birdie in 1960, which earned him his first Tony Award and established him as a vital force on the Broadway stage.

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Strouse’s third Tony win came for Annie, the iconic musical he co-created with lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan. The show, which debuted in 1977, ran for 2,377 performances and became a global sensation. Its memorable score featured timeless classics like Tomorrow, It’s the Hard-Knock Life, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, and I Don’t Need Anything But You.

His other notable stage work includes Golden Boy, an adaptation of Clifford Odets’ play starring Sammy Davis Jr., which earned Strouse another Tony nomination, and Rags (1986), a collaboration with Stephen Schwartz starring opera great Teresa Stratas.

Beyond the theatre, Strouse also left his mark in film. He composed the score for the 1967 crime drama Bonnie & Clyde, for which he received a Grammy nomination, and also worked on films such as There Was a Crooked Man, The Night They Raided Minsky’s, Just Tell Me What You Want, and the animated classic All Dogs Go to Heaven.

A testament to his influence, Strouse was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame. In 2008, to mark his 80th birthday, he released his autobiography, Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir, offering an intimate look at his life and career.

Strouse is survived by his children—Victoria Strouse, Nicholas Strouse, Benjamin Strouse, and Will Strouse—who carry on the legacy of one of Broadway’s most treasured musical minds.