Richard Adler, who died Thursday at age 90, was the composer/lyricist - with writing partner Jerry Ross - of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals, The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955). He also composed the scores for the musicals, Kwamina (1961), Music Is (1976) and A Mother's Kisses (1968), which starred Bea Arthur and Bernadette Peters and closed before reaching Broadway. Below you can listen to some of his show tunes as well as a few of his other popular songs:
"Rags to Riches" (written with Ross) was recorded by Tony Bennett in 1953.
"Hernando's Hideaway" from The Pajama Game was recorded by The Ventures in 1962 and by Ella Fitzgerald for her 1963 album, Ella Sings Broadway.
"Hey There" from The Pajama Game was recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954.
"I'm Not at All in Love" from The Pajama Game was performed by Doris Day in the 1957 film version.
“Steam Heat” from The Pajama Game was recorded by Patti Page in 1954 and performed by Carol Haney on Broadway and in the 1957 film.
"There Once Was a Man" from The Pajama Game was performed by John Raitt and Doris Day in the 1957 film.
"Heart" from Damn Yankees was recorded by Peggy Lee for her 1960 album, Latin ala Lee!
"A Little Brains, A Little Talent" from Damn Yankees was performed by Lee Remick in a 1967 made-for-TV movie version.
"Whatever Lola Wants" from Damn Yankees was performed by Gwen Verdon on Broadway and in the 1958 film version.
"Everybody Loves a Lover" (with music by Robert Allen) was recorded by Doris Day in 1958.
Adler staged and produced the 1962 Madison Square Garden birthday celebration for President John F. Kennedy that included Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday" to him.
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