Bernie Ashman

Sir Tim Rice, born November 10, 1944, is an English lyricist renowned for his significant contributions to musical theatre and film. He is best known for his prolific collaborations with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, creating iconic works such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Rice has also partnered with other notable musicians, including Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA for Chess, and Elton John and Alan Menken for various Disney projects like Aladdin and The Lion King. His career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a knighthood, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is one of the few artists to have won an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award.

Beyond his musical achievements, Rice has had a varied career. He co-founded the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and served as an editor, and later co-launched Pavilion Books, a publishing house focused on music and the arts. He has also been involved in media, hosting television programs and appearing as a guest on radio panel games. Rice authored an autobiography, "Oh What a Circus: The Autobiography of Tim Rice," and served as president of the London Library. His personal life includes two marriages and three daughters, and he is a noted fan of Sunderland AFC.

Timothy Miles Bindon Rice was born on November 10, 1944, at Shardeloes, a country house used as a maternity hospital during World War II. His father, Hugh Gordon Rice, served in the Eighth Army and later held positions in the aviation and diplomatic sectors. His mother, Joan Odette, who served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a photographic interpreter, later gained recognition as a writer for her wartime diaries. Rice received his education at Aldwickbury School, St Albans School, and Lancing College. After completing his A-Levels in History and French, he chose not to attend university, instead beginning his career as an articled clerk for a law firm in London. He later spent a year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Rice's career in the music industry began with a management trainee position at EMI Records in 1966. He later joined Norrie Paramor's organization as an assistant producer, working with artists like Cliff Richard. His most significant impact came through his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, resulting in landmark musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. These works were noted for incorporating sounds from the rock and pop music prevalent in the 1960s. Rice also collaborated with Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA on Chess, and with Elton John and Alan Menken on several Disney productions, including Aladdin and The Lion King, earning multiple awards for his songwriting. He has also worked with Rick Wakeman and contributed lyrics to various other projects.

Sir Tim Rice's contributions to music have been widely recognized. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 for his services to music. His achievements include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999, and receiving its Johnny Mercer Award in 2023. He is also a recipient of the Disney Legend award. Rice is among a select group of artists to have achieved the EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award. He has twice hosted the Brit Awards and has been honored by various institutions for his songwriting.

Beyond his primary career in music, Rice has engaged in various other fields. He co-founded the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles and served as its editor for many years. He also co-launched Pavilion Books, a publishing house specializing in music and arts. Rice has a history of media involvement, including hosting television programs and appearing on radio panel shows. He is a dedicated fan of Sunderland AFC and has held leadership roles in sports, serving as president of the Marylebone Cricket Club. His autobiography, "Oh What a Circus," details his early life and career up to the opening of Evita in London. He also served as president of the London Library.