By Scott Gudell
Let’s recall some amazingly memorable songs from the 1960s and 1970s: there’s forever optimistic originals including “Tomorrow” and “Put on a Happy Face,” the nostalgic sing along “Those Were the Days,” a spunky declaration of determination delivered with gumption via “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and so many more. Composer and lyricist Charles Strouse’s songs helped enrich mega hits including Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, Applause, All in the Family and more. He even had an early successful pop song – the light, innocent “Born Too Late” – which made it into the Top 10 charts in the late 1950s. He’s worked with everyone from real personalities such as a sexy Ann Margret to the sassy cartoon inspired Annie. Strouse went on to conquer Broadway, films, TV shows and beyond. Sadly, Charles Strouse, who was born in 1928, passed away on May 15,2025 after an amazingly prolific and prestigious career.
As an Eastman School of Music graduate, Charles Strouse was not only inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, but he was part of the very first class when the RMHF officially launched in 2012. During a casual ‘meet and greet’ just prior to the ceremony, he was gracious, upbeat and outgoing to those who stopped by his table to congratulate him. His smile was subtle, warm and inviting. It was no wonder Strouse was able to repeatedly craft so many upbeat, positive and very memorable compositions. In addition to the RMHF induction, other awards include at least one each of the following – a Tony, Grammy, Peabody, and Emmy.
At the recent 2025 Tony’s, there was even a special tribute to one of their own – Mr. Charles Strouse – seen by close to five million viewers!