Cy Coleman: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Harold Arlen
• Cole Porter
• Hoagy Carmichael
• Johnny Mercer
• Gershwin & Gershwin
• Jule Styne
• Irving Berlin

• Art Tatum
• Billy Taylor
• Erroll Garner
• Dana Suesse
• Russ Freeman

• Joseph McCarthy
• Joseph Allan McCarthy

• Mel Tormé

Birth Name:

Seymour Kaufman

Born:

Jun 14, 1929 in New York, NY [The Bronx]

Died:

Nov 18, 2004 in New York, NY

Genres:

Music, Musicals, Soundtracks, Classical Music

Decades Active:

1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Cy Coleman did have smll impact on jazz scene, but his major importance comes as composer and force in theater. He had a recital at Steinway Hall at the age of six, and was playing Manhattan super clubs at 17. Coleman formed a trio in 1948 while still a student at New York College of Music. He began to attract attention with two hit singles he wrote done by Frank Sinatra in the '50s; "Try to Change Me Now" and "Witchcraft." He also penned "Firefly" for Tony Bennett in 1958. The musical "Wildcraft" which he did with lyricist Carolyn Leigh starred Lucille Ball in 1960. Then came string of stage successes, including "Little Me," "Sweet Charity" and "Seesaw." Since then, Coleman's had other stage hits, notably "Barnum." He's also had songs featured in films, covered by Barbra Streisand and many others. Coleman has also periodically recorded albums. Mark Murphy did LP of Coleman material in 1977.

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide