Marc Shaiman
A composer with a chameleonic gift for melody, who moves from Broadway razzle-dazzle to film score grandeur with witty, emotional precision.
Born 1959 (age 67)·American composer·Birthday: October 22·Baby Boomers
Biography
Marc Shaiman's music feels like a perfectly timed wink followed by a genuine tear. The New Jersey native began his career as Bette Midler's musical director, a apprenticeship in showmanship that informed everything that followed. His partnership with lyricist and director Scott Wittman has yielded a string of cultural touchstones, most notably the smash-hit musical 'Hairspray,' which transformed a John Waters film into a Broadway phenomenon bursting with infectious, character-driven songs. In film, Shaiman's range is staggering, from the sweeping romantic score of 'The American President' to the sly, retro pastiches of the 'South Park' movie. He possesses a rare ability to channel any era or emotion, whether it's the brassy confidence of a Chicago politician or the innocence of a 1960s teenager. His work, always meticulously crafted and deeply felt, serves the story first, making him one of the most versatile and sought-after composers in entertainment.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Marc was born in 1959, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marc Was Born
The biggest hits of 1959
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur
Best Picture
Ben-Hur
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Marc's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1959Born
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1964Started school
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1972Became a teenager
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1975Could drive
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1977Could vote
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1980Turned 21
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1989Turned 30
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1999Turned 40
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2009Turned 50
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 60
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 67 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical 'Hairspray,' winning a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
- Received seven Academy Award nominations for his work on film scores and original songs, including for 'Mary Poppins Returns.'
- Composed the iconic scores for films like 'When Harry Met Sally...', 'Sleepless in Seattle,' and 'The American President.'
- Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on television specials for Billy Crystal and the '63rd Academy Awards.'
Did You Know?
He began his career as a rehearsal pianist for the original Broadway production of 'Godspell.'
He provided the singing voice for the character of Billy Crystal in the film 'My Giant.'
He co-wrote and produced the songs for the first 'South Park' film, 'Bigger, Longer & Uncut.'
He is a frequent collaborator with actor and comedian Billy Crystal on his film projects and award show hosting gigs.
“A song should feel like it's been in your head your whole life, waiting to be found.”
