Rodgers and Hammerstein was a theater-writing team of composer Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) and lyricist-dramatist Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960), who together created a series of innovative and influential American musicals. Their musical theater writing partnership has been called the greatest of the 20th century.
Rodgers (left) and Hammerstein (right) watching auditions at the St. James Theatre on Broadway in 1948
Program for Fly With Me, 1920
"What's the Use of Wond'rin' " from Carousel (1947)
The final tableau in South Pacific (1949)
Richard Charles Rodgers was an American composer who worked primarily in musical theater. With 43 Broadway musicals and over 900 songs to his credit, Rodgers was one of the most well-known American composers of the 20th century, and his compositions had a significant influence on popular music.
Rodgers at the St. James Theatre in 1948
The poster for Fly With Me, the 1920 Columbia University Varsity Show. The music was co-written by Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, and also included songs by Oscar Hammerstein II, making the show one of the first collaborations between the two men.
Richard Rodgers (seated) with Lorenz Hart in 1936
Rodgers (seated) with Hammerstein, 1945