Day at Night: Richard Rodgers

[@rexlex1736]

As a teenager in the 1960's, I corresponded with Richard Rodgers. He answered all of my questions regarding his partnerships with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. He also sent me autographed acting scripts and autographed photos. I regret I was never able to meet him in person. I find it very gratifying that he took the time to show an interest in a teenage boy who adored his music.

[@tjcint]

What a lovely and generous man. You should seriously consider writing a book that has all he shared with you in it as many would value this.

[@thechinadesk]

The ability to invent a melody, out of thin air as it were, and to put words to it, has always been nothing less than magic to me. How these guys (and gals) did it has always left me in complete awe. If a person is able to write even a single hit song that lives on, that is an achievement. Guys like Rodgers, Hart, Hammerstein and their contemporaries wrote scores of them. Truly amazing.

[@daytondeclan3567]

I know it is kinda randomly asking but do anyone know a good website to stream new movies online ?

[@marcellusdonald6042]

@Dayton Declan Flixportal

[@daytondeclan3567]

@Marcellus Donald Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it!!

[@marcellusdonald6042]

@Dayton Declan happy to help xD

[@bennyjazzful]

I agree 100% What a true musical genius! I'm sure that 100-500 years & on,people will still be enchanted with his music. A brilliant interview.

[@johnnemaric1577]

These are superb questions by the the interviewer, and of course mr rodgers is soooooo good.

[@denesdosztanmusic]

Pure genius! It was very enjoyable hearing and watching him. Thank you for sharing with us this video.

[@carterclairej]

It's a pleasure to know more about one of the creative geniuses who wrote so many of the melodies I love. He gives insight into the way words and music come together. It is especially interested to hear about his early life and parents. Great interview about a great man!

[@robertmuller4533]

A true American master! His contribution to our culture is vast. He will never be forgotten. Even listening to his music from almost 90 years ago is a pleasure.

[@treehugger3971]

I'm a massive Lennon and McCartney fan but this guy makes them look like beginners. There's just no comparison. Thanks for posting

[@organboi]

True. Rodgers was a great master composer, not much different than the great classical composers.

[@juliejensen7370]

So true!

[@tjcint]

Totally disagree with you here. Lennon and McCartney wrote music this man could not have written. A type of music he could not have written. Rodgers lives in his own musical universe, is incredibly good, but his universe is his .. his touch .. different to Lennon and McCartney.

[@nickrees4706]

@@tjcint I agree, you also have to consider, Lennon & McCartney were both lyricists as well as composers and they rarely collaborated in the songwriting process despite a pact to credit each other on all their output during the Beatles years ; they were more in the mold of Cole Porter or Irving Berlin. Perhaps we should refer to the provenance of their songs as “Lennon OR McCartney” :-)

[@Tolstoy111]

@@tjcint McCartney was hugely influenced by RR.

[@michaelbarnett8314]

I met Richard Rodgers when I was in the original production of South Pacific in London. I did not realize that I was in the presence of a genius. We are now expected to go to the musical theater an listen to tuneless songs which I refuse to do.

[@organboi]

So well said. Not only that, we are expected to listen to tuneless songs that do nothing to move the plot along and tell the story.

[@imonthebox1148]

Michael Barnett, I envy you the first part of your comment. I totally agree with you re- your second comment...

[@aberjed]

@@imonthebox1148 and the singers are nowadays close-miked and don't sing properly

[@joelkeeley793]

Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz particularly write amazing masterpieces when it comes to Broadway. Don’t get me wrong there will never be another Rodgers/Hart but stylistically they wrote for their time. Menkens music is more pop orientated than back then but it still holds true to the traditional jazz/classical aspects of the Porter/Rodgers/Berlin era. In my opinion, Menken and Schwartz score for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is one of the most beautiful scores ever written.

[@constancetalavera-rowe2961]

I love the song “you are too beautiful!” Love this so good!

[@thechinadesk]

Thanks for posting this. As a life long lover of Broadway and show tunes, this is like catnip to a cat!

[@davidcarlin3850]

It’s painfully obvious Rodgers is suffering here from cancer yet does his best to answer these questions. Genius. RIP

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Learned a lot! Mr.Rodgers possessed a high intellect, his memory--astonishing. He was blessed with the gift of music as much as any composer I can name.

[@Jamesmac30]

Thank you so much for this - Richard Rodgers is one of my heroes and I would have loved to have met him - and he was right about Broadway not staying in the "Hair" tradition.

[@abneryokum]

Good God, this man was a genius.

[@NisseOhlsen]

Yes Mr. Zimmerman. He was.

[@schotext]

Don't insult him by saying he was a genius. He was a very good songwriter, a craftsman with an exceptional feeling word words and music and worked very hard, sometimes weeks, on one song to get it excactly right.

[@aprilsigns4175]

@@schotext please don’t speak about things you don’t know. R R was a genius song composer. He was not a lyricist. He also created a totally new Broadway style. If you are a serious musician, you really should read about him. There some great books

[@schrire39]

@@aprilsigns4175 Richard Rodgers was known as a composer but he was, in fact, his own lyricist on several notable occasions including the songs "I have confidence" from the film version of The Sound of Music and an entire musical called "No Strings" which included the song "The Sweetest Sounds"

[@aprilsigns4175]

@@schrire39 He did write lyrics for several shows at the end of his career,however, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein wrote lyrics for 95% of his shows

[@MissMark999]

What a wonderfully sympathetic interview. Such a quietly respectful style which brought forth so many fascinating reflections from this remarkable composer. There’s not the slightest doubt his creations will stand the test of time as equally as the classical giants of the European 19th century. Thank you so much for sharing this interview with the insights of this composer of genius. His melodies will live forever as they deserve to, and those who appreciate his contribution to musical theatre will be in his debt forever.

[@khylerin70]

There will sadly never again be an era that produced such lasting quality musicians such as this ,Percy Faith,Mancini,Mantovani et al.

[@sandrashevey8252]

My mother saw `The Garrick Gaieties` first run on Broadway. Songs included `Manhattan`` and `Mountain Greenery`. Boy, she never forgot that show. She talked about it all her life.

[@FoxyStealth]

Amazing interviews. ❤❤❤

[@January.]

GENIUS, LEGEND, AND AMERICAN TREASURE

[@denesdosztanmusic]

This a piece of History! Thank you!

[@devydu]

"There's a bright golden haze on the meadow...." Wow, that's what started it all with R&H's first Broadway hit "Oklahoma", which continues to be a favorite with high school music theater and professional musical theaters. R&H musicals have been my lifetime favorite as they touch my heart & soul and teach social & cultural awareness. R&H are timeless. "There is nothin' like a dame, nothin' in the world..." (South Pacific) Okay, maybe it's sexist today, but it was reflective of that time and it's musical theater!

[@FactBuffet]

Richard Rodgers was the first EGOT! (The first person to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony)

[@dynamicalan]

Wow I wish I had heard this in 1974

[@conradvancouver7276]

I have spent years playing and singing My Funny Valentine - with a classical guitar. Huge thanks to Alice Fredenham, Lorenz Hart, and Richard Rogers. I do it every day. Everything is good in my world when I touch that first note.

[@steph36uk]

so agree couldn't but it better myself marvellous to see him like this and to listen to him

[@billbrimmer7047]

The interviewer, Jim, was excellent. Given Mr. Rodgers health challenges over the years, he looks and sounds very sharp. I read his biography “Music Stages” which I recommend to any fan. This was a pleasurable interview to observe.

[@paulybarr]

His daughter, Mary, in her fascinating, recently- published autobiography 'Shy' , calls Musical Stages 'a work of fiction.'

[@billbrimmer1739]

@@paulybarr I’ll have to read her book. “Musical Stages” contains a lot of background on the musicals created by RR. That is interesting.

[@wingrhames]

something like 20 years. i've been studying the piano since i was a child, have always listened to music from rock to jazz..when I liked a song on the radio, I'd search who wrote it. That's how I realized that there was more than the easily identifiable singer-songwriters, there was tin pan alley and there was the brill building and that's when I started using a methodical approach. Sometime in the early 90's I requested Cole Porter's "100th anniversary" piano songbook as a birthday gift.

[@WintersWar]

What a nice likable gentleman.

[@steph36uk]

me too would have loved to have met him and Oscar Hammerstein II

[@antoniocapella5851]

Rodgres and Porter both the Genius of American music.j

[@NisseOhlsen]

Agree 100% Antonio. Cole Porter was almost 'irragiungibile', but look at what Mr. Rodgers did. We are much indebted, both to Cole and to Richard. They are cool.

[@arthurharrison1345]

"Irragiungibile" is the Italian word for "unattainable."

[@roberthenleynola]

@@arthurharrison1345 Thanks. I was quite confused.

[@johnnyjackpot]

This is fabulous! Thanks!

[@wingrhames]

PORTER another personal favourite. Even when he's redoing I've Got You Under My Skin for the 67th time, the song sounds as classy as the first time. Will bring poignancy to the most "recycled" of melody. Master craftsman (read: Genius). GERSHWIN: love his Jazz Age stuff (mid 20's) stuff and final Hollywood years ('36-'37 he was at his melodic best). BERLIN: another genius whose work deserves to be studied well beneath the most famous anthems. At his best, a melodist of the highest order

[@richardmackota5267]

Unquestionably THE great American songwriter of the 20th Century. I just wished he had tried to produce more songs for radio etc; than Blue Moon.

[@wingrhames]

"Inchworm", "I Believe In You", "Traveling Light" or "If I Were A Bell" rank among my favorite songs ever I'm 40

[@imonthebox1148]

wingrhames, Inchworm, I believe in you, and If I were a bell, were all written by Frank Loesser......

[@FoxyStealth]

They’re sitting so close.

[@caricatureparty]

a class act

[@steph36uk]

would love love to have it on DVD where did you find it?

[@blondstallion]

This is in my opinion the second greatest composer who ever lived, of music known to modern mankind. Before Beethoven, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Mozart, Brian Wilson, Haydn, Stevie Wonder and Jerome Kern.

[@joelkeeley793]

blondstallion who is the first in your opinion if I may ask? By the way I totally agree with your opinion, Rodgers is a piece of history we’ll never see again.

[@malcolmlewis6014]

Irving Berlin (1500 songs 19 Musicals and 18 films) and George & Ira Gershwin has to be up there near the top.

[@davids6898]

I would have liked to have asked him, when asked about repetition, why “If I Loved You” and “The Sound of Music” is essentially the same structurally and rhythmically.

[@wingrhames]

this (the "black notes" in Fsharp method) has always fascinated me. i'd like to know more about the arrangers who'd write down the song after he played them the melody.

[@sandrashevey8252]

Like the rest of us I was enamored of Richard Rodgers whom I got to meet only once, at the premiere of the film `2001`. John Springer, the press agent, was handling some of film`s pr. John was a friend and during the interval both Rodgers and Henry Fonda asked to be introduced. Now I should add that at the premiere of Kubrick`s antifeminist opus (he even wanted the robot Hal to speak in a squeaky sexually ambiguous voice) I was very much a diversion wearing as I did a topless, backless Marilyn Monroe `The Seven Year Itch` sundress of baby blue wool crepe. I cannot precisely recall my exact feelings at meeting Rodgers but 50 years later (actually a bit ore than 50 years) I do remember that I was stunned out of my mind. Numero Uno! Definitely Numero Uno.

[@christopheranderson601]

Hi @Sandra Shevey

[@hamptondunson7297]

20:00 Hart - Hammerstein switch story

[@January.]

Would be great to know the date of the interview....

[@scottcarbaugh4296]

Richard and Oscar. The word “genius ““ simply doesn’t cut it. So far beyond that level.

[@WendyWatersctmm]

What a genius. He said he believed and hoped that the public want to hear tunes. He didn't like HAIR. He would have hated HAMILTON.

[@James_Bowie]

Both Rodgers and Hammerstein were easy to interview. They were both erudite and could quickly answer anything that they were asked without having to um and uh.

[@hamptondunson7297]

24:45 do you listen to your own music

[@wingrhames]

I was only implying (after having studied 150+ songs by Rodgers&Hart and 100+ by Warren) that they're my favourite songwriters, a statement I'm definitetly entitled to make :-) You can find unique beauty in a Rodgers & Hart song, a stunning melodic or harmonic progression here or there that would make Kern blush - oh and his obsession for scalar melodies. Warren owned Hollywood in the 30's (minor-key torch masterpieces) then in the 40's (grand romantic statement), and still great in the 50's

[@BigGuyBoleslaw]

Rodgers died in 1979 at the age of 77, after surviving cancer of the jaw, a heart attack, and a laryngectomy. I think the cancer of the jaw and the laryngectomy explains why he doesn't sound real good.

[@lynnethurling1200]

Incomparable melody maker. A genius for all time.

[@ceejay8320]

2:37 - Like they are sitting in a commuter train touching knees - without the train car. Talk about an intimate interview set! Not even a coffetable or flower...but of course, the interview makes up for it.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Rodgers died in 1979. He had suffered from cancer of the jaw and had had his larynx removed. You can tell it wasn’t easy for him to speak during this very informative interview.

[@pamtebelman2321]

Yeah, it's hard to watch. Those cigarettes took his life from us too early.

[@javiermulero2131]

The man is right: People want to hear TUNES again. And when they realize they've been missing them, they will FLOCK to them once Musicals have them again!

[@AeolianHall1]

This is from 1973-4

[@esmeephillips5888]

Mary Rodgers paints a depressing picture of her dad in her new memoir, 'Shy'. Like Kern, he gave too much to work to have much left for fhe rest of life.

[@hamptondunson7297]

24:07 do artist know when they have made a hit???

[@JasonFerguson1283]

"Rhythm is a third of music"

[@vin.handle]

I have never seen the musical, Rex, but it seems an odd subject for a musical. Henry VIII was a monster who had two of his wives de-capitated. About like making a musical of Hitler.

[@mark-shane]

looks rather too intimate .. i mean their legs are almost touching

[@ryanscottlogan8459]

😝😝😝😝😝

[@wingrhames]

In my book, Rodgers i#1 and Warren is #2: i really think he's just as good as the usual and offical suspects (K, P, G, and B)

[@gilormsplay]

This was Dr. Jekyll. Urbane, avuncular, yadder, yadder. Mr. Hyde appeared when RR had too much to drink. Maybe that's why there's no Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Jekyll and Hyde" - too close to home.

[@NisseOhlsen]

Interesting. How so? Did he become evil under the influence? Or did he just start to play hip hop?

[@gilormsplay]

He was really, REALLY nasty when plastered. Stephen Sondheim put up with it for about a day then quit.

[@NisseOhlsen]

+Gil Orms I need more info!! Nasty, in which way? Fore sure he did not come across as nasty here. And he was also courteous to state that Cole Porter wrote 'the most memorable Jewish music', which is a huge compliment when coming from someone who has written 'My funny valentine'. So I'd really like to know.

[@johnv7060]

Rodgers' battles with alcoholism and depression have been well documented in recent years. His was a prickly, rather sour man. Sondheim had a hard time working with him on a late-career Rodgers show called DO I HEAR A WALTZ?, and I think some of the problems were due to Rodgers' drinking. Hammerstein, too, felt uneasy around him, and according to an anecdote SS shared, according to Dorothy Hammerstein, Oscar was often very shaken up when coming home from meetings with him. (This was mentioned at a Q&A a few years ago.) However, there must have been something good deep down in the man. He was a fount of gorgeous melody-- whether in the quirkier, sassier Rodgers and Hart era, or the more romantic Rodgers and Hammerstein period.

[@organboi]

Wtf are you talking about? The man was practically dying of jaw cancer and major throat issues. He's in the midst of it at this time of his life.

[@edwardmorris3453]

Let's k-knock k-knees.

[@stubbsmusic543]

I was disappointed. The interview was shallow and stilted and revealed no insights into a man with so much to offer.

[@pbunting]

I wish he didn't have such difficulty articulating. His gravelly voice is painful to hear.

[@Contrapuntalist]

pbunting Pbunting, Rodgers had cancer of the larynx around at this time, either just before, or just after it, depending on exactly when this was taped. His larynx was removed, and he had to learn esophageal speech. Almost certainly, therefore, before it, because afterwards it was very hard for him to speak more than a few words at a stretch, whereas here he is speaking quite fluently. (He had undergone cancer surgery before, in the late 50’s, during rehearsals for The Sound of Music, when a portion of his jaw and many lymph nodes were removed, which accounts for the unevenness in the two sides of his face. ).

[@khylerin70]

The guy had cancer of the jaw and throat which eventually killed him. I think that excuses his raspy sound pal. Justfocus on his music and overlook the malady he was enduring.

[@musicom67]

2:37 - Like they are sitting in a commuter train touching knees - without the train car. Talk about an intimate interview set! Not even a coffetable or flower...but of course, the interview makes up for it.