Oscar Hammerstein II

Biography

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II, an American lyricist, playwright, theatrical producer and director of musicals, was the son of a successful vaudeville producer, and the nephew of a producer of Broadway musicals. Oscar II made quite a mark in the family business himself, winning the Tony Award eight times and the Academy Award twice for Best Original song. In the 1920s, Hammerstein collaborated with composer Jerome Kern. Together they created the musical Show Boat out of a novel by Edna Ferber. Its songs, notably “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” became classics. But Hammerstein is even better known for his later collaboration with composer Richard Rogers. Rodgers and Hammerstein are credited with working out the integration of songs and dances with the development of a plot and credible characters, virtually re-inventing the Broadway musical. Some of the best-known songs with Hammerstein’s lyrics are: “People Will Say We're in Love,” (from Oklahoma); “Some Enchanted Evening,” (South Pacific); “Getting to Know You,” (The King and I); and “Edelweiss,” (The Sound of Music.)