About
Academy Award-winning composer best known for writing the music to Fame, the 1980 film classic starring Irene Cara. He and lyricist Dean Pitchford won the 1981 Oscar for Best Original Song.
Before Fame
His work on Carrie-The Musical with lyricist Lynn Ahrens gained notoriety not so much for the songs themselves but for the infamous flop that the musical based on Stephen King's novel was.
Trivia
He also worked on Pretty in Pink from 1986, Superstar from 1999, and The Butcher's Wife from 1991.
Family Life
He was raised in Brooklyn. His older sister Lesley Gore became a well-known singer and songwriter.
Associated With
He wrote music for Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, both movies by James L. Brooks.
