Charles Strouse dead: Annie and Bye Bye Birdie legend dies as tributes flood in

Charles Strouse, the Broadway composer and lyricist who wrote some of the most beloved musicals – many of which became big screen offerings, including Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Applause – has died at the age of 96. His death was announced by his four children, Benjamin, Nicholas, Victoria, and William Strouse who said he died peacefully at his home in New York on Thursday, May 15. Over his seven decade career he won three Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie, and was nominated a further four times for Golden Boy, Charlie & Algernon, Rags, and Nick & Nora.

Tributes flooded in for the star as news of his death became public. "One of my favorite songwriters, Charles Strouse, died today. He wrote the music for the musicals, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause , and Annie to name a few. Do yourself a favor and check out his songs. One of his best is Once Upon A Time," one wrote.

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