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‘Hair’ co-creator James Rado dies at 90

The co-creator of the groundbreaking musical “Hair” has died.

James Rado was 90 years old.

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His friend and publicist, Merle Frimark, said Rado died Tuesday night of cardio respiratory arrest, The Associated Press reported.

Rado, along with Gerome Ragni wrote the story and lyrics to “Hair” that put protest, pot and free love center stage.

Ragni died in 1991, according to Deadline.

The music was written by Galt MacDermot. He died in 2018, Deadline reported.

Not only was it the first rock musical on Broadway, but it also was the first show featuring full nudity and same-sex kiss.

It opened the door for shows like “Jesus Chris Superstar,” “Rent” and even “Hamilton” which became pop-culture icons, the AP reported.

Several songs including “Aquarius,” “Let The Sunshine In” and “Hair” became hits on the radio, Deadline reported.

In addition to writing the show, Rado played Claude, the man who was drafted and was set to be sent to Vietnam.

“Hair” debuted at the Public Theater in 1967 and on Broadway the following year. It ran for more than 1,800 performances.

The show won a Grammy Award for best musical theater album in 1969, but lost the Tony Award to “1776,” however, it won a Tony for best revival in 2009. It was also made into a movie in 1979 starring Treat Williams and Beverly D’Angelo, the AP reported.




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