Oscar Hammerstein II

An eight-time Tony award winner, Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960), was one of America’s most prolific and successful librettists, theatrical producers, and theater directors. He composed over eight hundred-fifty pieces for a number of films and musicals over his lifetime, two of which later went on to receive Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
His collaboration with Richard Rodgers began with their work together on Oklahoma!, and became the grounds for what many call the most iconic partnership of the 20th century. Together, they co-wrote eight works– most notably The Sound of Music, which won ten Oscars, one of which was for Best Score.
Hammerstein’s contributions towards American musical theater were and are recognized through his induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame as well as through the posthumous Oscar Hammerstein Award.