New Delhi, May 16 -- Charles Strouse, the acclaimed composer behind beloved musicals Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, has died at the age of 96. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on Thursday, May 15, though no cause of death was disclosed.

Strouse's contribution to American musical theatre is immense, with over a dozen Broadway credits to his name. He won three Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie, and received additional nominations for shows including Golden Boy, Charlie and Algernon, Rags, and Nick and Nora.

His work on Annie also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Cast Show Album.

Born in New York City on June 7, 1928, to Jewish parents, Charles Strouse studied at the Eastman School...