Canadian-American composer, pianist, and writer of musical theatre Arthur Terence Galt MacDermot was born on December 18, 1928 and died on December 17, 2018.

In 1960, he earned a Grammy Award for the song “African Waltz”.

MacDermot’s most successful musicals were Hair (1967; its cast album also won a Grammy) and Two Gentlemen of Verona (1971).

MacDermot’s also wrote music for film soundtracks, jazz and funk albums, and classical music, and his music has been sampled in hit hip-hop songs and albums.

MacDermot was best known for his work on Hair, and in particular three of the songs from the show; “Aquarius”, “Let the Sunshine In”, and “Good Morning Starshine”, all three of which were number one hits in 1969.

Galt MacDermot passed away at 89 years old.