Charles Strouse, born on June 7, 1928, in New York City, was a renowned American composer and lyricist celebrated for his contributions to musical theater. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Strouse studied under notable figures such as David Diamond, Aaron Copland, and Nadia Boulanger. Over his prolific career, he composed scores for more than 30 stage musicals, including 14 for Broadway, as well as five Hollywood films, two orchestral works, and an opera.

Strouse's first major success came with the Broadway musical "Bye Bye Birdie" in 1960, which he co-created with lyricist Lee Adams. The show, featuring stars like Dick Van Dyke and Chita Rivera, won a Tony Award and included hit songs such as "Put on a Happy Face." He continued his success with "Applause" in 1970, starring Lauren Bacall, which also earned him a Tony Award.

In 1977, Strouse collaborated with lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan to create the musical "Annie," which became a Broadway phenomenon. The show ran for 2,377 performances and featured iconic songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life," earning Strouse his third Tony Award.

Throughout his career, Strouse received numerous accolades, including inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame. His works, such as "Annie" and "Bye Bye Birdie," remain popular and are frequently produced by theaters worldwide. Charles Strouse passed away on May 15, 2025, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and beloved musicals.