Has been nominated for three Tony Awards: in 1972, as Best Book
(Musical) and Best Score, as both Composer and Lyricist, for "Ain't
Supposed to Die a Natural Death;" and in 1973, as Best Book (Musical)
for "Don't Play Us Cheap."
Member of the 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' (AMPAS) since 2016.
He received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1953. He was also in Air Force ROTC, and after graduating, he spent three years as a flight navigator.