Who is Andrew Lloyd Webber?

Andrew Lloyd Webber is a British composer, producer and impresario, best known for his musical theatre soundtracks. He has composed the music for 13 musicals, 10 film scores and several pieces of classical music. His most famous works include 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Evita', 'Cats' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.

Early Life

Lloyd Webber was born in Kensington, London on March 22, 1948. His father was a composer and organist who taught him how to play the piano at an early age. He attended Westminster School and Trinity College, where he studied composition.

Career

Lloyd Webber's career began in 1965 with the production of a rock cantata, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. His earliest success came in 1971 with the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar', which he wrote with lyricist Tim Rice. This was followed by a number of successful musicals such as 'Evita' (1978), 'Cats' (1981), 'Starlight Express' (1984), and 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1986).

Awards & Achievements

Lloyd Webber has won numerous awards for his work, including seven Tony Awards, three Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. He was knighted in 1992 and was made a life peer in 1997. He was also appointed to the Order of Merit in 2006.

Personal Life & Legacy

Lloyd Webber is married to Madeleine Gurdon since 1991. He has five children from two previous relationships. He is involved in numerous charitable causes, such as the Prince's Trust and the Royal National Theatre Foundation. He is considered one of the most influential figures in musical theatre today.