Hamlisch in 2011

I was too young to have a true appreciation of composer, Marvin Hamlisch. The first time I’d ever heard his name mentioned was in a Gilda Radner SNL sketch where she played his “The Way We Were” as her character Lisa Loobner and breaks down in tears because of the emotion in the song. I didn’t realize that I knew this man through his songs. I knew the music to The Way We Were. I’d learned it in school for a recital. As I aged and learned more about Broadway and show tunes, I learned more about Hamlisch’s work. He was an icon.

The man may have passed on, but his music will live on forever. My infant son just heard it for the first time and it stopped him cold in mid-bounce. He was entranced.

Considering the man’s work and sense of humor, I think Radner’s rendition is a fitting tribute to a talented man. RIP Mr. Hamlisch.

If you are interested in a full story, go to CNN.com.

Related articles

• Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, 68, dies (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• Marvin Hamlisch, composer for ‘The Sting’ and ‘A Chorus Line’, dies (thestar.com)
• Composer Marvin Hamlisch Dies at 68 in Los Angeles (entertainment.time.com)