Opinion

Saluting Marvin Hamlisch, a New Yorker of great note

The Issue: The death of Marvin Hamlisch, legendary composer for Broadway and film.

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I was both shocked and saddened by the news of composer Marvin Hamlisch’s untimely death (“Marvin Hamlisch, 1944-2012,” Editorial, Aug. 8).

“Nobody ‘Did’ It Better” than Hamlisch. Talents like his come along but once in a lifetime. He leaves a “Chorus Line” of glorious music as his legacy, which will be enjoyed for generations to come.

As we remember “The Way We Were,” let us remember the way he was — filled with “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.”

There is no doubt about it — Hamlisch will sorely be missed.

JoAnn Lee Frank

Clearwater, Fla.

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Hamlisch was the Jewish boy whom every Jewish mother wanted their daughter to marry. He was the Jewish boy that every Jewish parent wanted their son to grow up to be. He was everything I never was.

If I had but a tenth of his talent, I would have considered myself eminently successful.

I am happy that I had the privilege to listen to his music while he was still alive.

Herbert Kaufman

Dingman’s Ferry, Pa.

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When I was a kid and my friends were listening to Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, my favorite albums were “The Sting” and “A Chorus Line.” My parents didn’t know what to make of it. Hamlisch taught me about good music.

He was one of the last greats from a Golden Era.

Michael Chimenti

Oakland Gardens