 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2013) |
Kenneth William Hirsch is an American pop songwriter, pianist and record producer, co-writer of the international 1982 hit "I've Never Been to Me" with Ron Miller. He is also co-writer of the hits "If I Could", "No One in the World" and "Two Less Lonely People in the World". He was born in New York City, attended the Juilliard School of Music and got a BA from Queens College with a major in music.
His other co-writers include Hal David, Howard Greenfield, Doc Pomus, Gerry Goffin, Carole Bayer Sager, Paul Williams, Phil Cody, Wayland Holyfield, Allan Rich, Marti Sharron, Bruce Burch and Robin Lerner.
His songs have been recorded by, amongst others, Celine Dion, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Charlene, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Air Supply, Regina Belle, Dolly Parton, Millie Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, Latoya London, Phyllis Hyman, Michael Bolton, Plácido Domingo, B. B. King, Johnny Adams, Genya Ravan, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Teddy Pendergrass, and José Feliciano.
Hirsch composed the music to the musicals Daddy Goodness (co-written with Ron Miller) starring Tony Award winners Ted Ross and Clifton Davis and also Freda Payne. It played at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia and the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., in 1979. He also wrote the music to the Clothespins and Dreams (co-written with Ron Miller) starring Tony Award winner Barney Martin and also Eloise Laws. It played at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1989. In 2012, Ken co-wrote the score to An Officer and a Gentleman, The Musical co-written with Robin Lerner. It premiered on May 18, 2012 in Sydney, Australia directed by Simon Phillips. It was nominated for 5 Helpmann Awards including "Best Musical" and won for "Best Supporting Actor".