John Kander

American songwriter

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July 23, 2026

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John Kander is an American songwriter, best known for his collaboration with lyricist Fred Ebb. Together, they created music for numerous successful musicals and films for over 40 years, from the mid-1960s to the early 2000s. Kander composed the music, while Ebb wrote the lyrics.

Kander studied piano from a young age and earned degrees in music from Oberlin College and Columbia University. He worked as a pianist and conductor before beginning his musical theater career. The duo's notable works include the scores for Cabaret, Chicago, and the song "New York, New York". They received multiple Tony Awards for their contributions to musical theater.1

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Kander and Ebb
Kander composed the music, and Ebb supplied the lyrics. The duo consisted of
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Kander composed the music, and Ebb supplied the lyrics. The duo consisted of
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Liza Minnelli
…by the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show ran for only 87 performances, but Minnelli’s performance won her a Tony Award for best actress in a musical, and she remained the youngest winner of this award into the 21st century. Her association with Kander and Ebb…
Read More
…by the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show ran for only 87 performances, but Minnelli’s performance won her a Tony Award for best actress in a musical, and she remained the youngest winner of this award into the 21st century. Her association with Kander and Ebb…
Read More