Jerry Bock Headshot

Jerry Bock

Date of Death: November 03, 2010 (81)

Birth Place: USA

Get Jerry Bock Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Jerry Bock BIO

Jerry Bock was an American composer best known for his work in musical theater. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 23, 1928, Bock showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later at the Manhattan School of Music.

Bock's first success in musical theater came in 1955 with the production of "Catch a Star," which he wrote with lyricist Larry Holofcener. However, it was his collaboration with lyricist Sheldon Harnick that would bring him his greatest success. The two first worked together on the 1958 musical "The Body Beautiful," but it was their next collaboration that would become a Broadway classic.

In 1960, Bock and Harnick teamed up with writer Joseph Stein to create "Fiddler on the Roof," a musical based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem. The show was a smash hit, running for over 3,000 performances on Broadway and winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The score, which included such classic songs as "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset," is still beloved by theater fans today.

Bock and Harnick continued to work together throughout the 1960s, creating such shows as "Fiorello!" (which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama), "She Loves Me," and "The Apple Tree." They also wrote the score for the 1971 film "The Rothschilds," which was based on their 1966 musical of the same name.

In addition to his work in musical theater, Bock also wrote music for television and film. He composed the score for the 1962 film "Tender Is the Night," as well as for several episodes of the TV series "Mr. Magoo" and "The Bell Telephone Hour."

Bock's career continued into the 21st century, with revivals of his classic shows and new productions of his work. In 2004, a Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" starred Alfred Molina as Tevye and was well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Sadly, Jerry Bock passed away on November 3, 2010, at the age of 81. His contributions to the world of musical theater are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to live on through his timeless scores and beloved shows.

Jerry Bock Photos

Jerry Bock Productions

 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Music[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Choreographer

Writing

Composer
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Jerry Bock Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2008 - Best Musical Revival

Jerry Bock, Fiddler On The Roof


winner
Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Musical Revival

Jerry Bock, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jerry Bock , The Rothschilds

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jerry Bock, The Apple Treet


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1965 - Best Musical

Jerry Bock, Fiddler on the Roof


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Jerry Bock , Fiddler on the Roof


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1960 - Best Musical

Jerry Bock, Fiorello!

Jerry Bock Videos

Jerry Bock News


Long Wharf Theatre Reveals Lineup For 60th Anniversary Season


Long Wharf Theatre has announced its 2024/2025 season, with the theme Building Our Future Together. The 60th anniversary season is the theatre's second under its innovative new production model of presenting works across Greater New Haven to strengthen our civic bonds with the entire community.  Learn more about the lineup here!

Disney's FROZEN, WAITRESS & More Set For La Mirada's 2024/2025 Season


La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment have announced their 2024/2025 season of shows.

Shuler Hensley to Direct and Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF IN CONCERT at Theatre Aspen


The Aspen Music Festival and School and Theatre Aspen's fifth annual co-production will be the 9-time Tony Award-winning Fiddler on the Roof in Concert. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

FROZEN, JERSEY BOYS, and More Set For North Shore Music Theatre's Upcoming Season


Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) is set to return for an expanded season of exceptional musical entertainment for North Shore audiences. Learn more about the season here!

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, NOISES OFF & More Set for Palo Alto Players 2024-25 Season


Palo Alto Players has revealed its 94th season titled SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIONS THEATRE! See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Desert Theatricals


Desert Theatricals 'Fiddler' stands tall and breathes LIFE into old TRADITIONS.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season


The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

Review: SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre


What did our critic think of SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre?

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards


Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Cast Set For BEAR SNORES ON at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre


Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced the full cast for the world premiere stage adaptation of Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s Bear Snores On, with book by Cush Jumbo and Katy Sechiari, and music & lyrics by Harry Blake.

Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Ritz Theatre Company is Something to Think About and Something to Drink About


The world surrounding the small shtetl of Anatevka is changing. Conflict draws near, and Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, must navigate this changing terrain, raising five daughters and, ultimately, his faith in this unforgettable, classic musical. The original Broadway production, directed by Jerome Robbins and starring Zero Mostel, won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

Laura Benanti, Kate Baldwin & More to Join Celebration of Sheldon Harnick at 54 Below


The life and legacy of Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick will be celebrated at 54 Below. See who is starring in the concert and learn how to purchase tickets!

Ben Fankhauser and Lee Harrington to Lead Gulfshore Playhouse's SHE LOVES ME - Full Cast Announced!


Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cast of 'She Loves Me,' set to open in March 2024.

Photos/Video: First Look At FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At Drury Lane Theatre


Drury Lane Theatre has released first look photos and video of its final show of the 2023/2024 season, the beloved Fiddler on the Roof.

Review: Hale Centre Theatre's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is Artfully, Attentively Staged


FIDDLER ON THE ROOF on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy resists the urge to simply replicate what has been done before, yet still celebrates what is so beloved about the piece. The artful presentation feels intimate and emotionally resonant, which is unexpected for such a large-scale production.

Spotlight: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at The Gateway in Bellport


FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At The Gateway in Bellport!

SHE LOVES ME Comes to the Historic Royal Theatre, February 15-25


The Royal Players present 'SHE LOVES ME' at the Historic Royal Theatre in Benton, AR from February 15-25, 2024. Don't miss this charming and romantic musical comedy with an old-world elegance.

Cast Set for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Drury Lane Theatre


Drury Lane Theatre has revealed the cast of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Elizabeth Margolius. See photos below!

Video: Get a First Look at FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Paper Mill Playhouse


Get a first look at footage of Fiddler on the Roof at Paper Mill Playhouse!

Interview: Real-Life Married Couple Alexandra Socha & Etai Benson Share the Stage in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF


BroadwayWorld interviews Alexandra Socha and Etai Benson about taking on the roles of Motel and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof at Paper Mill Playhouse. Explore their real-life relationship and the joys of working together on stage.

Jerry Bock FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Jerry Bock written?

Jerry Bock has written 21 shows including Catch a Star (Composer), Mr. Wonderful (Composer), The Body Beautiful (Composer), Joy Ride (Composer), Fiorello! (Composer), Tenderloin (Composer), Never Too Late (Lyricist), Man in the Moon (Composer), She Loves Me (Composer), To Broadway with Love (Composer), Fiddler on the Roof (Composer), The Apple Tree (Bookwriter), Her First Roman (Composer), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Composer), The Rothschilds (Composer), Mostly Sondheim (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Rothschild & Sons (Music).

What awards has Jerry Bock been nominated for?

Jerry Bock has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "Fiddler On The Roof" and "She Loves Me," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "The Rothschilds" and "The Apple Tree," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Fiorello!," and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof."

What awards has Jerry Bock won?

Jerry Bock, the renowned Broadway composer, has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "She Loves Me," the Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof," the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof," and another Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Fiorello!". These accolades highlight Bock's exceptional talent and contributions to the world of musical theater.

Get Jerry Bock Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos