ABSTRACT
Oscar Hammerstein II was born on July 12, 1895 in New York. His interest in the theater began in 1902 when he made his debut in a Christmas entertainment at Public School No. 9; he began piano lessons at the age of nine. In 1912, Hammerstein entered Columbia University to prepare for a law career in accordance with his father's wishes. Hammerstein's involvement with the Columbia Players continued even after he left the university and law. Hammerstein's career as a Broadway lyricist and librettist began, however, in 1920, when he wrote the book and lyrics for Always You to Herbert Stothart's music. Hammerstein's contribution to the American musical theater is almost legendary. As early as 1932, his effort to transform the musical was recognized. Working with such composers as Herbert Stothart, Jerome Kern, Sigmund Romberg, and especially Richard Rodgers, Hammerstein wrote books and lyrics which transformed the American musical into an integrated dramatic form and created a number of classics.
