Gender
Male
Born
Jun 14, 1929
New York, New York, USA
Died
Nov 18, 2004
New York, New York, USA
Composer Producer Writer Lyricist Creative Consultant Arranger Musical Director Musician
Also Known As
Seymour Kaufman [Birthname]
See Also
Comments
Biography: Cy Coleman was born Seymour Kaufman on June 14, 1929 in New York City to Max and Ida Kaufman. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 7. He attended the High School of Music and Art and the New York College of Music. His collaborators included Joseph Allen McCarthy, Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, A.E. Hotchner, and David Zippel. He married Shelby Coleman, with whom he had his daughter, Lily.

Film/TV Credits: Film credits include: "Hocus Pocus," "Father Goose," "Sweet Charity," "Family Business," "Power," "Ride to Hangman's Tree,' "Garbo Talks," "The Art of Love," and "The Troublemaker." Television credits include: "Midsomer Murders," "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," "The Girls Next Door," and "Great Performances."

Other Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Special for "Shirley MacLaine: If They Could See Me Now" in 1975. Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special - Comedy-Variety or Music for "Gypsy in My Soul" in 1976. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1981. Received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers Award for lifetime achievement in American musical theatre. Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1991.

Trivia:
The marquees of Broadway theaters were dimmed in his honor on November 19, 2004.
  • CREDITS
    Prince of Broadway (Aug 24, 2017 - Oct 29, 2017)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Mar 15, 2015 - Jul 19, 2015)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Come Fly Away (Mar 25, 2010 - Sep 05, 2010)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalDanceOriginal
    Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Dec 11, 2005 - Feb 19, 2006)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    Sweet Charity (May 04, 2005 - Dec 31, 2005)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Mar 28, 2004 - Apr 18, 2004)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    SpecialConcertOriginal
    Mostly Sondheim (Jan 14, 2002 - Aug 25, 2002)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    SpecialSolo ConcertOriginal
    Fosse (Jan 14, 1999 - Aug 25, 2001)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
    Little Me (Nov 12, 1998 - Feb 07, 1999)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    The Life (Apr 26, 1997 - Jun 07, 1998)
    • Produced by Cy Coleman
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Book by Cy Coleman
    • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    The Will Rogers Follies (May 01, 1991 - Sep 05, 1993)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    City of Angels (Dec 11, 1989 - Jan 19, 1992)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Welcome to the Club (Apr 13, 1989 - Apr 22, 1989)
    • Produced by Cy Coleman
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Lyrics by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    Sweet Charity (Apr 27, 1986 - Mar 15, 1987)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Peg (Dec 14, 1983 - Dec 17, 1983)
    • Creative Consultant: Cy Coleman
    • Featuring "Big Spender" by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    Little Me (Jan 21, 1982 - Feb 21, 1982)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Barnum (Apr 30, 1980 - May 16, 1982)
    • Produced by Cy Coleman
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    The American Dance Machine (Jun 14, 1978 - Dec 03, 1978)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    SpecialDanceOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Feb 19, 1978 - Mar 18, 1979)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    I Love My Wife (Apr 17, 1977 - May 20, 1979)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Shirley MacLaine (Jul 09, 1976 - Jul 24, 1976)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
    SpecialSolo RevueOriginal
    Shirley MacLaine (Apr 19, 1976 - May 01, 1976)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
    SpecialSolo RevueOriginal
    Equus (Oct 24, 1974 - Oct 02, 1977)
    • Cinema Music: Cy Coleman
    PlayDramaOriginal
    Seesaw (Mar 18, 1973 - Dec 08, 1973)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Dance Arrangements Supervised by Cy Coleman
    • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRomantic ComedyOriginal
    Sweet Charity (Jan 29, 1966 - Jul 15, 1967)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Little Me (Nov 17, 1962 - Jun 29, 1963)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Wildcat (Dec 16, 1960 - Jun 03, 1961)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Compulsion (Oct 24, 1957 - Feb 22, 1958)
    • Original Music by Cy Coleman
    • Musical Director: Cy Coleman
    PlayOriginal
    John Murray Anderson's Almanac (Dec 10, 1953 - Jun 26, 1954)
    • Additional music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRevueOriginal
    Dear Barbarians (Feb 21, 1952 - Feb 24, 1952)
    • Musician: Cy Coleman and Trio
    PlayComedyOriginal
    Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Dec 19, 2006 - Jun 10, 2007)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    Sweet Charity (Sep 05, 2006 - Aug 12, 2007)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Fosse (Sep 14, 1999 - Feb 17, 2002)
    • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
    The Will Rogers Follies (Sep 01, 1992 - Nov 27, 1994)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
    MusicalOriginal
    City of Angels (Jun 04, 1991 - Nov 29, 1992)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Sweet Charity (Jul 08, 1987 - Nov 08, 1987)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    On the Twentieth Century (Oct 10, 1986 - Apr 05, 1987)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyRevival
    Barnum (Aug 06, 1982 - Apr 24, 1983)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Originally Produced on Broadway by Cy Coleman
    • Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Barnum (Dec 16, 1981 - Apr 04, 1982)
    • Produced by Cy Coleman
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Barnum (May 12, 1981 - Aug 22, 1981)
    • Produced by Cy Coleman
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Jun 09, 1979 - Nov 25, 1979)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Seesaw (Apr 11, 1974 - Sep 15, 1974)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    • Dance Arrangements Supervised by Cy Coleman
    MusicalRomantic ComedyOriginal
    Sweet Charity (Sep 11, 1967 - Jan 14, 1968)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    Little Me (Jan 30, 1964 - Aug 01, 1964)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    MusicalComedyOriginal
    On the Twentieth Century (Sep 26, 2005 - Sep 26, 2005)
    • Music by Cy Coleman
    SpecialBenefit Comedy ConcertRevival
  • AWARDS

    Tony Award®

     

    Best Book of a Musical

    1997 | Nominee  | The Life
    Book by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Musical

    1997 | Nominee  | The Life
    Produced by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Original Musical Score

    1997 | Nominee  | The Life
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Best Original Score

    1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Best Original Score

    1990 | Winner  | City of Angels
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Musical

    1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
    Produced by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Original Score

    1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Best Original Score

    1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Original Score

    1977 | Nominee  | I Love My Wife
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Original Score

    1974 | Nominee  | Seesaw
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Composer and Lyricist

    1966 | Nominee  | Sweet Charity
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Musical

    1966 | Nominee  | Sweet Charity
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Composer and Lyricist

    1963 | Nominee  | Little Me
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Best Musical

    1963 | Nominee  | Little Me
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Drama Desk Award

     

    Outstanding Music

    1999 | Nominee
    Cy Coleman (for "Exactly Like You")

    Outstanding Music

    1997 | Winner  | The Life
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Outstanding New Musical

    1997 | Winner  | The Life
    Produced by Cy Coleman

    Outstanding Music

    1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Outstanding Music

    1990 | Winner  | City of Angels
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Outstanding Music

    1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
    Music by Cy Coleman
     

    Outstanding Musical

    1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
    Produced by Cy Coleman

    Outstanding Music

    1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
    Music by Cy Coleman

    Outstanding Music

    1977 | Winner  | I Love My Wife
    Music by Cy Coleman
Prince of Broadway (Aug 24, 2017 - Oct 29, 2017)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalRevueOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Mar 15, 2015 - Jul 19, 2015)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Come Fly Away (Mar 25, 2010 - Sep 05, 2010)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalDanceOriginal
Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Dec 11, 2005 - Feb 19, 2006)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
Sweet Charity (May 04, 2005 - Dec 31, 2005)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Mar 28, 2004 - Apr 18, 2004)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
SpecialConcertOriginal
Mostly Sondheim (Jan 14, 2002 - Aug 25, 2002)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
SpecialSolo ConcertOriginal
Fosse (Jan 14, 1999 - Aug 25, 2001)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
Little Me (Nov 12, 1998 - Feb 07, 1999)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
The Life (Apr 26, 1997 - Jun 07, 1998)
  • Produced by Cy Coleman
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Book by Cy Coleman
  • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
The Will Rogers Follies (May 01, 1991 - Sep 05, 1993)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
City of Angels (Dec 11, 1989 - Jan 19, 1992)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Welcome to the Club (Apr 13, 1989 - Apr 22, 1989)
  • Produced by Cy Coleman
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Lyrics by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
Sweet Charity (Apr 27, 1986 - Mar 15, 1987)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Peg (Dec 14, 1983 - Dec 17, 1983)
  • Creative Consultant: Cy Coleman
  • Featuring "Big Spender" by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
Little Me (Jan 21, 1982 - Feb 21, 1982)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Barnum (Apr 30, 1980 - May 16, 1982)
  • Produced by Cy Coleman
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
The American Dance Machine (Jun 14, 1978 - Dec 03, 1978)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
SpecialDanceOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Feb 19, 1978 - Mar 18, 1979)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
I Love My Wife (Apr 17, 1977 - May 20, 1979)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Shirley MacLaine (Jul 09, 1976 - Jul 24, 1976)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
SpecialSolo RevueOriginal
Shirley MacLaine (Apr 19, 1976 - May 01, 1976)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
SpecialSolo RevueOriginal
Equus (Oct 24, 1974 - Oct 02, 1977)
  • Cinema Music: Cy Coleman
PlayDramaOriginal
Seesaw (Mar 18, 1973 - Dec 08, 1973)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Dance Arrangements Supervised by Cy Coleman
  • Dance arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalRomantic ComedyOriginal
Sweet Charity (Jan 29, 1966 - Jul 15, 1967)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Little Me (Nov 17, 1962 - Jun 29, 1963)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Wildcat (Dec 16, 1960 - Jun 03, 1961)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Compulsion (Oct 24, 1957 - Feb 22, 1958)
  • Original Music by Cy Coleman
  • Musical Director: Cy Coleman
PlayOriginal
John Murray Anderson's Almanac (Dec 10, 1953 - Jun 26, 1954)
  • Additional music by Cy Coleman
MusicalRevueOriginal
Dear Barbarians (Feb 21, 1952 - Feb 24, 1952)
  • Musician: Cy Coleman and Trio
PlayComedyOriginal
Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Dec 19, 2006 - Jun 10, 2007)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
Sweet Charity (Sep 05, 2006 - Aug 12, 2007)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Fosse (Sep 14, 1999 - Feb 17, 2002)
  • Featuring songs by Cy Coleman
MusicalRevue DanceOriginal
The Will Rogers Follies (Sep 01, 1992 - Nov 27, 1994)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Music arranged by Cy Coleman
MusicalOriginal
City of Angels (Jun 04, 1991 - Nov 29, 1992)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Sweet Charity (Jul 08, 1987 - Nov 08, 1987)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
On the Twentieth Century (Oct 10, 1986 - Apr 05, 1987)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyRevival
Barnum (Aug 06, 1982 - Apr 24, 1983)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Originally Produced on Broadway by Cy Coleman
  • Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Barnum (Dec 16, 1981 - Apr 04, 1982)
  • Produced by Cy Coleman
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Barnum (May 12, 1981 - Aug 22, 1981)
  • Produced by Cy Coleman
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Jun 09, 1979 - Nov 25, 1979)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Seesaw (Apr 11, 1974 - Sep 15, 1974)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
  • Dance Arrangements Supervised by Cy Coleman
MusicalRomantic ComedyOriginal
Sweet Charity (Sep 11, 1967 - Jan 14, 1968)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
Little Me (Jan 30, 1964 - Aug 01, 1964)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
MusicalComedyOriginal
On the Twentieth Century (Sep 26, 2005 - Sep 26, 2005)
  • Music by Cy Coleman
SpecialBenefit Comedy ConcertRevival

Tony Award®

 

Best Book of a Musical

1997 | Nominee  | The Life
Book by Cy Coleman
 

Best Musical

1997 | Nominee  | The Life
Produced by Cy Coleman
 

Best Original Musical Score

1997 | Nominee  | The Life
Music by Cy Coleman

Best Original Score

1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
Music by Cy Coleman

Best Original Score

1990 | Winner  | City of Angels
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Musical

1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
Produced by Cy Coleman
 

Best Original Score

1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
Music by Cy Coleman

Best Original Score

1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Original Score

1977 | Nominee  | I Love My Wife
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Original Score

1974 | Nominee  | Seesaw
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Composer and Lyricist

1966 | Nominee  | Sweet Charity
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Musical

1966 | Nominee  | Sweet Charity
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Composer and Lyricist

1963 | Nominee  | Little Me
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Best Musical

1963 | Nominee  | Little Me
Music by Cy Coleman

Drama Desk Award

 

Outstanding Music

1999 | Nominee
Cy Coleman (for "Exactly Like You")

Outstanding Music

1997 | Winner  | The Life
Music by Cy Coleman

Outstanding New Musical

1997 | Winner  | The Life
Produced by Cy Coleman

Outstanding Music

1991 | Winner  | The Will Rogers Follies
Music by Cy Coleman

Outstanding Music

1990 | Winner  | City of Angels
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Outstanding Music

1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
Music by Cy Coleman
 

Outstanding Musical

1980 | Nominee  | Barnum
Produced by Cy Coleman

Outstanding Music

1978 | Winner  | On the Twentieth Century
Music by Cy Coleman

Outstanding Music

1977 | Winner  | I Love My Wife
Music by Cy Coleman

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