Charles Strouse dead: Annie and Bye Bye Birdie legend dies as tributes flood in

Charles Strouse, the composer and lyricist who wrote some of the most beloved musicals - many of which became big screen offerings, including Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Applause - has at the age of 96. His death was announced by his four children, Benjamin, Nicholas, Victoria, and William Strouse who said he died peacefully at his home in New York on Thursday, May 15. Over his seven decade career he won three Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie, and was nominated a further four times for Golden Boy, Charlie & Algernon, Rags, and Nick & Nora.

Tributes flooded in for the star as news of his death became public. "One of my favorite songwriters, Charles Strouse, died today. He wrote the music for the musicals, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie to name a few. Do yourself a favor and check out his songs. One of his best is Once Upon A Time," one wrote.

"Awwww man. RIP the incredible musical theatre composer Charles Strouse, may his memory be a blessing. What a legacy. Thank you," another penned.

A third chimed in: "I'm deeply saddened to share that Charles Strouse died today at the age of 96. He was the brilliant Broadway composer behind Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, and a personal inspiration in my own musical journey. Rest in peace, Charles Strouse. Thank you for the music - and for the lessons that went far beyond the notes. I lost one of my heroes. A musical theatre genius, great teacher, and soulful guy. Fortunately his music will live forever."

"Just hearing of the death of Charles Strouse at 96 is a sad one with a certain degree of closure about it. With Charles gone there are now only two songwriting greats left from Broadway's Golden Age. Farewell, Charles. Put On a Happy Face will always be one of my favorite songs written for a Broadway musical," a fourth added.

A fifth wrote: "The legacy he leaves behind is a testimony to what he achieved while here. May his memory be a blessing and may his music define his memory." Meanwhile a sixth commented: "So sad to hear about Charles Strouse leaving the building... A great talent and a lovely man. They just don't seem to make his kind anymore."

Throughout his career he had written scores for over 30 musicals, 14 of which were on Broadway. One of his best known works is Annie, which he wrote with lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan.

On stage the Broadway musical, which at one point starred Sarah Jessica Parker in the titular role, ran for 2,377 performances. It was also performed all over the world and still tours, and spawned a big screen version in 1982, which won two . A remake with Jamie Foxx would follow in 2014. Memorable songs from the show include Tomorrow, It's the Hard-Knock Life, which found another life when it was sampled by Jay Z, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, and I Don't Need Anything But You.

He was inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame and in addition to his work for the stage he also scored film.

He composed the score for 1967's Bonnie and Clyde which landed him a Grammy nomination. Other big screen scores included The Night They Raided Minsky's and the animated feature All Dogs Go To Heaven.