Victor Herbert

1859–1924 (age 65)

Composer

Biography

Victor Herbert, the celebrated composer who bridged European sophistication with American theater, created beloved operettas and film scores that defined the sound of the Gilded Age's musical stage. His melodies, full of warmth and wit, thrilled audiences and helped shape modern musical theater.

An advocate for composers' rights, he co-founded ASCAP and worked tirelessly to protect artists, leaving a legacy that endures in every stage musical that follows in his footsteps; he rests at Woodlawn Cemetery among those who honor his artistry.