Grammy-, and Emmy-winning composer known for Broadway's Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, has died. He was 96. Strouse died at his home in New York City on Thursday, a spokesman for the family confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.

In an interview with the Tribune in 2011, Strouse was asked if he had any idea that the Broadway show would be such a hit. “No,” he said. “This was a piece about the Depression. It was dark. The

His melodies are satisfyingly singable. Annie’s Tomorrow, one of the songs he is best known for, was described by lyricist Martin Charnin as having “instantly [wrapped] itself around the vocal chords of every singer in the country”.