Entertainment

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

Published

4 months ago

May 17, 2025

Vicky

Composer Charles Strouse, who died Thursday at age 96, was Broadway royalty – a three-time Tony winner for Bye Bye Birdie, Applause and Annie. He also won two Grammys (as both composer and producer) for the Annie cast album and a Primetime Emmy for a 1996 revival of Bye Bye Birdie starring Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams. Strouse was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.

Even if you’re not a Broadway buff, you know at least a few of Adams’ songs. Annie spawned the instant standard “Tomorrow,” which Barbra Streisand covered on her platinum album Songbird. Jay-Z had a top 15 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 with “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” which sampled “It’s the Hard Knock Life” from Annie.

Bye Bye Birdie, about a pop star who was drafted to go into the Army (inspired by Elvis Presley, the biggest pop star of the 1950s, who experienced a similar fate at the height of his fame), also spawned a standard – the jaunty “Put on a Happy Face,” which Dick Van Dyke performed in the musical (and in the 1963 film version). The song was covered by such artists as Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, The Supremes and Tony Bennett. Bye Bye Birdie also included the spirited “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” which was recorded by such stars as Bobby Rydell.

Strouse was born Charles Louis Strouse in New York City on June 7, 1928. In 1949 he met lyricist Lee Adams at a party, which led to a long and successful musical partnership. The duo began by writing tunes for numerous revues, as well as special material for performers such as Kaye Ballard, Carol Burnett, Jane Morgan and Dick Shawn.

In 1958, Strouse teamed with Fred Tobias to write “Born Too Late,” which became a No. 7 hit on the then-new Hot 100 for Poni-Tails, a female vocal trio.

Strouse teamed with Adams to write the songs for several long-running Broadway musicals. They won Tonys for best musical in 1961 for Bye Bye Birdie (for which Van Dyke won a Tony) and in 1970 for Applause (for which Lauren Bacall won a Tony). They were nominated for a Tony for best musical in 1965 for Golden Boy (for which Sammy Davis Jr. was nominated for a Tony).

Even some of their lesser hits spawned memorable songs. 1962’s All American, which starred Ray Bolger, closed after 80 performances. However, one song from the score, “Once Upon a Time,” became an oft-performed standard of the 1960s, with recordings by such top singers as Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Perry Como, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. Richard Carpenter performed the poignant ballad at a 1983 concert soon after the death of his sister, Karen Carpenter.

Strouse scored the 1967 film classic Bonnie and Clyde, which brought him a Grammy nod for best original score written for a motion picture or TV special. Strouse and Adams wrote songs for The Night They Raided Minsky’s, a 1968 film produced by Norman Lear. While that film was only a modest hit, their collaboration with the producer would be a blockbuster.

In 1970, Strouse and Adams were asked to write a theme song for a TV show that Lear was developing. The show, which debuted in January 1971, was All in the Family, the biggest and most groundbreaking TV hit of the decade. Series stars Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton performed the theme song “Those Were the Days,” which perfectly captured the tone of the show, from its opening lines: “Boy, the way Glenn Miller played/ Songs that made ‘The Hit Parade’/ Guys like us we had it made/ Those were the days.” The title sequence, of Archie and Edith performing the tune at their piano, is said to have been inspired by Strouse’s childhood memories of playing music with his parents at home. Released as a single, the original version reached No. 43 on the Hot 100 in 1972.

Several of Strouse’s scores climbed high on the Billboard 200. The Bye Bye Birdie cast album reached No. 12 (the subsequent film soundtrack climbed even higher – No. 2 in 1963). A TV soundtrack to All in the Family (which included “Those Were the Days”) reached No. 8 in 1972. The Annie cast album petered out at No. 81, but went platinum.

While Strouse is probably best known for his long partnership with Adams – who is still living at age 100 – he also collaborated with other lyricists. He and Martin Charnin teamed to write Annie, which won seven Tony Awards, including best musical and best original score.

Strouse received three subsequent Tony nominations for best original score, working with a different lyricist on each of the shows. He teamed with David Rogers on Charlie and Algernon (1981); with Steven Schwartz on Rags (1987); and with Richard Maltby, Jr. on Nick and Nora (1992).

Two revivals of Annie have received Tony nominations for best revival of a musical. In addition, a live staging of the show, titled Annie Live!, was produced for NBC in 2021.

Strouse loved what he did and remained active, which was doubtless a key to his longevity. “I work every day,” he told The Associated Press during an interview on the eve of his 80th birthday in 2008. “Activity — it’s a life force. When you enjoy doing what you’re doing, which I do very much, I have something to get up for.”

Strouse died at his home in New York City, his family said. Strouse’s wife, director-choreographer Barbara Siman, died in 2023. He is survived by four children, Ben, Nick, Victoria and William.

Vicky

Entertainment

Anderson .Paak Kicks Off Soccer Collaboration to Give Girls ‘the Chance to Shine’

Published

29 minutes ago

September 26, 2025

Vicky

Anderson .Paak is kicking off a creative collaboration in partnership with GOAL Projects, the new initiative from global soccer media brand GOAL. Under the Anderson .Paak x GOAL Projects banner, the Grammy-winning artist has co-designed a soccer kit in support of the girls’ youth soccer team from his hometown of Oxnard, Calif.

Proceeds from the kit — comprised of a limited-edition soccer jersey, T-shirt and ball — will benefit the nonprofit Brandon Anderson Foundation and the Oxnard Eagles girls’ soccer team. Founded by farmworker Victor Garcia, the Oxnard Eagles is a nine-team community club serving more than 100 youth from immigrant and working-class families. GOAL Projects is also partners with global collective Common Goal which, according to the press announcement, uses “the power of football to drive social change, ensuring continued support for the Oxnard Eagles as well as other grassroots teams.”

“Man, you have an opportunity to uplift kids in the same streets where I made my way, you give me a call,” .Paak tells Billboard. “When GOAL came to me with this idea, I was all in. It wasn’t just about a jersey; it was about connecting music and soccer — two things that bring people together everywhere. And the fact that every jersey helps out the Oxnard Eagles, these amazing young girls from my hometown? That’s the part that made it a no-brainer. It’s bigger than sport. It’s about community and giving these kids the chance to shine.”

Further discussing the burgeoning intersection between music and sports, .Paak adds, “Growing up, I thought I was gonna be in the NBA, then finally music hit. Sports and music are the same energy, man. They’re passion, rhythm and discipline — but also joy and culture. Soccer especially: It’s global, it’s in every neighborhood just like music. So when I got to co-design a kit that brings my fans into that world and also supports the next generation of athletes, that’s exactly the type of intersection I want to live at.”

Anderson .Paak

Courtesy of GOAL Projects

Of teaming with .Paak for GOAL Project’s first collaboration, GOAL’s head of culture and lifestyle Jake Cohen said in a statement, “Anderson was the perfect partner to kick things off — he loves doing projects that give back and connect with the community. GOAL Projects is all about bringing sports, music, art and culture together. We want to break down the barriers to soccer and make sure every kid has a shot to play, and this is just the start. We’ve got more projects coming that will inspire and connect soccer fans and players everywhere.”

The Anderson .Paak x GOAL Projects collection is available now online in unisex adult sizes at Goalprojects.goal.com. The collection’s in-person release will take place at the .Paak House Festival held Oct. 11 on the campus of California State University Channel Islands. Hosted by the Brandon Anderson Foundation, the family-friendly festival will once again feature live performances by special guests and rising artists. Past performers include Mario, Raphael Saadiq and Smokey Robinson. Tickets for the .Paak House Festival are also available now via .Paak House’s website.

“.Paak House has always been about giving my community a VIP experience, showing kids and families that they deserve the same love and spotlight as anybody else,” says .Paak. “So having the jersey release tied to and available for purchase at .Paak House makes perfect sense. You’ll see the music, the food, the art, the culture — all the stuff that shaped me — and now we’re adding the global game of soccer into the mix. It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, celebrate and feel supported. That’s the same energy behind this GOAL collab.”

Vicky

Entertainment

Young Thug Has Plenty to Say With New Album ‘UY Scuti’: Stream It Now

Published

39 minutes ago

September 26, 2025

Vicky

It’s been a turbulent ride since Young Thug was released from jail in October 2024. Nearly 11 months later, Thugger finally returns to speak out with his music, as the highly anticipated UY Scuti album arrived on Friday (Sept. 26).

Thugger set the table for UY Scuti with the Future-assisted “Money on Money” in April. He followed up with “Miss My Dogs” earlier in September, which found him apologizing and addressing some major figures in his life, including girlfriend Mariah the Scientist, Drake, Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, Future and Lil Baby.

The Atlanta native’s last album, Business Is Business, was released in June 2023 while Thug was still behind bars. The LP debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 89,000 total album units earned.

UY Scuti suffered plenty of delays before arriving, as the project was previously rumored to be released in May and June, before getting pushed to Sept. 19.

Thug pivoted to Sept. 26 out of respect for Cardi B, who dropped her Am I the Drama? album on Sept. 19. “Yall know I wasn’t dropping Friday. It’s a ladies day,” he wrote to X. And Cardi replied, “And you better step next week …you got this, You know this !!”

Thugger explained to GQ in April about why he titled the project UY Scuti. “I just feel big, you know. The name of my album UY Scuti. I feel like I’m one of the biggest stars,” he said. “I did a lot. Founding this culture. The new rap game that’s happening right now. I’m out of this world. Not like God, though.”

Young Thug spent Wednesday (Sept. 24) at the Los Angeles federal courthouse supporting his friend Metro Boomin, who was facing trial in his civil sexual assault lawsuit.

Stream UY Scuti below.

Vicky

Entertainment

Rauw Alejandro Continues to Bring His ‘Roots to the World’ on ‘Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0’: Stream It Now

Published

45 minutes ago

September 26, 2025

Vicky

Leading up to the Latin American leg of his Cosa Nuestra World Tour, set to continue on Oct. 13 in Chile, Rauw Alejandro dropped his new studio album Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0 — a prequel to his chart-topping Cosa Nuestra released last fall — on Friday (Sept. 26).

A contrast to his 2024 set that was elegant and glamorous, and inspired by New York in the ‘70s and the era of the Sicilian mafia, Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0 “is all about the Caribbean, not only Puerto Rico,” he tells Billboard. “There’s so much inspiration in music from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti — I believe we’re all one nation. The Caribbean shares the same blood — we’re Indian, African and Spanish — that’s our race.”

Sonically, the 14-track set offers traditional bomba and plena (“Carita Linda,” “Caribeño”); his first-ever bachata called “Silencio,” written and produced by Romeo Santos; and closes with three brand new salsa tunes, including the sultry “Callejón de los Secretos” with Mon Laferte.

Rauw Alejandro

Marco Perretta

In between, he gives fans his signature perreo and R&B numbers, including “Buenos Términos,” “Nostalgia de Otoño” and “Contrabando,” and is also home to the previously released 2024 banger “Santa” with Rvssian and Ayra Starr.

Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0 — which Rauw began working on in 2023 — drops in the midst of this Cosa Nuestra world tour, allowing him to create new music while “staying in the same era and character,” he notes.

“The meaning of Cosa Nuestra is so big that I have to release 20 albums to explain its concept. There’s no time to do that in just one album,” he laughs. “I’m going to continue to bring my roots to the world. Nowadays I feel so connected with my people and am very proud of where I come from. I don’t have to look outside when I have everything here.”

Stream and listen to Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0 below: