This article is about the composer known for working with Richard Adler. For the songwriter who worked with Kenny Gamble, see Jerry Ross (record producer).
(1926-03-09)March 9, 1926 The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Died
November 11, 1955(1955-11-11) (aged 29)
Occupation(s)
Lyricist, composer
Musical artist
Jerry Ross (born Jerold Rosenberg; March 9, 1926 – November 11, 1955) was an American lyricist and composer whose works with Richard Adler for the musical theater include The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees, winners of Tony Awards in 1955 and 1956, respectively, in both the "Best Musical" and "Best Composer and Lyricist" categories.
Biography
Jerold Rosenberg was born in the Bronx, New York City, to a Russian-Jewish household,[1] to immigrant parents, Lena and Jacob Rosenberg. Growing up, he was a professional singer and actor in the Yiddish theater.[2]
Following high school, he studied at New York University under Rudolph Schramm. Introductions to singer Eddie Fisher and others brought him into contact with music publishers at the Brill Building, the center of songwriting activity in New York. (Fisher later had a hit with Ross’ The Newspaper Song.)
Ross met Richard Adler in 1950,[2] and as a duo they became protégés of the great composer, lyricist, and publisher Frank Loesser. Their song Rags to Riches was recorded by Tony Bennett and reached number 1 on the charts in 1953.[2] They also had a jazz novelty hit with Anita O'Day's recording of "No Soap, No Hope Blues".[3]
Adler and Ross began their career in the Broadway theater with John Murray Anderson's Almanac, a revue for which they provided most of the songs (resulting in recordings of Acorn in the Meadow by Harry Belafonte and Fini by Polly Bergen). The revue opened in 1953 and ran for 229 performances.[4]
Jerry Ross died on November 11, 1955, at the age of 29, from complications related to the lung disease bronchiectasis. In his short life, Ross was extremely productive; he wrote, alone or in collaboration, more than 250 songs in addition to his theatre work.
Ross was entered posthumously into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1982,[7] his widow, Judy, and daughter, Janie, accepting on his behalf.