The Phonographic Memory of Marc Shaiman
1/20/202651 min
Marc Shaiman is a renowned composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer known for his prolific work across film, television, and theater. His film work includes “When Harry Met Sally”, “Sister Act”, “City Slickers”, “A Few Good Men”, “Sleepless in Seattle”, “The American President”, and the first “South Park” movie. Shaiman has written and arranged music for countless artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Mariah Carey, Billy Crystal, and Bette Midler. Shaiman earned widespread acclaim for co-writing the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray” alongside his co-lyricist Scott Wittman. Shaiman and Wittman went on to co-create musicals “Catch Me If You Can”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Some Like It Hot”, and “Smash”. Marc Shaiman has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, two BAFTA awards, and has won a Tony, two Emmys, and two Grammys.
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First 90 secondsMarc Shaiman· Guest0:00
This is an iHeart podcast. [upbeat music] Guaranteed Human.
Alec Baldwin· Host0:05
[upbeat music] This is Alec Baldwin, and you're listening to Here's the Thing from iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2· Soundbite0:16
You can't stop an avalanche as it races down the hill. You can try to stop the seasons, girl, but you know you never will.
Alec Baldwin· Host0:26
It is a skill that feels like a gift from the divine to write an unforgettable song. One that gets stuck in your head or makes you wanna dance is a talent that should be exalted. Now, imagine it's your life's work for fifty years.
Speaker 2· Soundbite0:43
You can't stop the beat. Ever since this whole world began, a woman found out if she shook it, she could shake up a man. And so I'm gonna shake and shimmy it the best that I can today, 'cause you can't stop the motion...
Alec Baldwin· Host0:56
That's You Can't Stop the Beat from the two thousand and two Broadway cast recording of Hairspray, written by my guest today, composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman. [upbeat music] Shaiman is a two-time Emmy, Grammy, and BAFTA winner, as well as a Tony Award recipient. He's also been nominated for seven Academy Awards. His five-decade career began at just sixteen years of age. His work as a composer, lyricist, arranger, and