Jerry Bock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerry Bock
Born	Jerrold Lewis Bock (1928-11-23)November 23, 1928 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	November 3, 2010(2010-11-03) (aged 81) Mount Kisco, New York, U.S.
Education	University of Wisconsin, Madison (BA)
Occupation	Composer
Years active	1955–2010

Jerrold Lewis Bock (born November 23, 1928 – died November 3, 2010) was an American composer who wrote music for many famous musicals. He is best known for creating the music for Fiddler on the Roof and Fiorello!. He won important awards like the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his amazing work.

Jerry Bock's Musical Journey

Early Life and First Steps

Jerry Bock was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Flushing, Queens, New York. From a young age, he loved music and learned to play the piano. When he was a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he wrote a musical called Big As Life. This show was so good that it toured around the state and even played in Chicago!

After college, Jerry spent his summers writing music for early television shows. He worked with a lyricist named Larry Holofcener, who wrote the words for his songs.

Making it on Broadway

Jerry Bock made his first appearance on Broadway in 1955. He and Lawrence Holofcener wrote songs for a show called Catch a Star. The next year, they worked together on a musical for the famous singer Sammy Davis Jr. called Mr. Wonderful.

Soon after, Jerry met another talented writer, Sheldon Harnick, who wrote lyrics. They became a very successful team! Even though their first show together, The Body Beautiful, didn't do well with critics, their music impressed important people like director George Abbott and producer Hal Prince.

Award-Winning Musicals

George Abbott and Hal Prince hired Jerry and Sheldon to create a musical about a former New York City mayor named Fiorello La Guardia. Their show, Fiorello! (1959), was a huge hit! It won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical. It also tied for the Tony Award for Best Musical and won the amazing Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick continued to create many more musicals. Some of their other famous works include Tenderloin (1960), She Loves Me (1963), and The Apple Tree (1966).

Fiddler on the Roof

One of their most beloved musicals was Fiddler on the Roof (1964). This show became incredibly popular around the world. It included the famous song "If I Were a Rich Man". Fiddler on the Roof helped Jerry Bock win the Tony Award for Best Composer and Lyricist.

Later Years

In 1997, the Jerry Bock Award for Excellence in Musical Theater was created. This award helps new composers and lyricists who are just starting their careers.

Jerry Bock passed away on November 3, 2010, at the age of 81. He left behind a wonderful collection of music that continues to be enjoyed by people everywhere.

Awards and Nominations

Jerry Bock won many important awards for his work in musical theater. Here are some of them: