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Oscar Hammerstein II

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II (; July 12, 1895 – August 23, 1960) was an American lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer, and (usually uncredited) director in musical theater for nearly 40 years. He won eight Tony Awards and two Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Many of his songs are standard repertoire for vocalists and jazz musicians. He co-wrote 850 songs.

He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, as the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose musicals include Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Described by Stephen Sondheim as an "experimental playwright", Hammerstein helped bring the American musical to new maturity by popularizing musicals that focused on stories and character rather than the lighthearted entertainment that the musical had been known for beforehand.

He also collaborated with Jerome Kern (with whom he wrote Show Boat), Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Friml, Richard A. Whiting, and Sigmund Romberg.

Birth and Death Data: Born July 12, 1895 (New York City), Died August 23, 1960 (Doylestown)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1920 - 1953

Roles Represented in DAHR: lyricist

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 426-429 of 429 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca 83977 2/18/1953 The girl on the prow Victor Young Orchestra ; Jane Wilson lyricist  
Vocalion 100W-102W 10-in. 12/11/1924 Rose-Marie Colin O'More Male vocal solo, with orchestra lyricist  
Columbia (U.K.) WA4286 10-in. between approximately October 4th 1926 and November 9th 1926 Sunny Layton and Johnstone Male vocal duet, with piano lyricist  
Columbia (U.K.) WA4287 10-in. between approximately October 4th 1926 and November 9th 1926 Who? Layton and Johnstone Male vocal duet, with piano lyricist  
(Results 426-429 of 429 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Hammerstein, Oscar, II," accessed April 27, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/101947.

Hammerstein, Oscar, II. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/101947.

"Hammerstein, Oscar, II." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 27 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/101947

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