Lerner, Alan Jay (1918-1986), was one of the greatest lyricists of the American musical theater. His best lyrics display a wit and literacy rare in musical theater. Lerner’s most memorable work was done with Vienna-born composer Frederick Loewe . They first teamed up in 1942, and their greatest success was the musical comedy My Fair Lady (1956). They also created the hit musicals Brigadoon (1947), Paint Your Wagon (1951), and Camelot (1960), as well as the motion-picture musical Gigi (1958). Lerner and Loewe won Academy Awards for the motion picture’s title song, and Lerner also won an Academy Award for the film’s screenplay.
Lerner collaborated with composers Kurt Weill on Love Life (1948), Burton Lane on On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1965), and Andre Previn on Coco (1969). In addition to lyrics, Lerner wrote the libretto (dialogue) for many of his musicals. He won an Academy Award in 1952 for writing the screenplay for An American in Paris (1951).
Lerner was born on Aug. 31, 1918, in New York City. Lerner discussed his composing career in The Street Where I Live (1978). He died on June 14, 1986.
