David Merrick

David Merrick was not an artist, composer, or band, but rather a prominent American theatrical producer. Born on November 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, he became one of the most prolific Broadway producers of the 20th century. Merrick's career spanned over four decades, during which he produced more than 80 plays and musicals. Some of his most notable productions include "Gypsy," "Hello, Dolly!," and "42nd Street." The latter, which opened in 1980, was a particularly successful musical that won the Tony Award for Best Musical and ran for nearly nine years. Merrick was known for his shrewd business sense and his ability to create hits that appealed to a wide audience. He passed away on April 25, 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of Broadway's legendary figures.