With a career spanning over sixty years, Richard Rodgers (1902-79) was the most popular composer of American musical theater of the Twentieth Century.

His lengthy collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart yielded dozens of songs which became integral to American popular culture such as "Manhattan," "My Funny Valentine" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," from shows like Babes in Arms and Pal Joey.

In 1943, Rodgers teamed up with lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II to create the most successful partnership in Broadway musical history. Their groundbreaking production, Oklahoma!, was followed by such beloved shows as Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. June 28th, 2002 marks the centennial of Richard Rodgers' birth.

"Easy to Remember" explores the life and career of this singular American talent. Hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg, it features interviews with many of Rodgers' colleagues, like choreographer Agnes de Mille, actors John Raitt, and Mary Martin, lyricists Stephen Sondheim and Sheldon Harnick, as well as interpreters of his work, like singer Mary Cleere Haran. His daughters, Mary and Linda, offer personal reminiscences, and Richard Rodgers himself is heard, in rare archival audio. The program features music from cast albums, soundtracks, period recordings and popular records.

 
Links and References
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Official Rodgers Centenary Site

Richard Rodgers Collection at the Library of Congress

Hart's Heart and Rodgers's Glorious Soul
by singer Mary Cleere Haran, New York Times, 6/23/2002

Photos and biography courtesy of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. Used by permission.