Rains will make the flower grow.

Marc Berlin, Herbert Kretzmer’s agent, confirmed the news to The New York Times. At the age of 95, the famous lyricist died on October 14, 2020. For many, he crafted the words to one of the most popular show on both the West End and Broadway, Les Misérables.

The lyricist also worked on and wrote the lyrics two others musicals and also served as a tehatre critic in London for over a decade. Before heading to Broadway, Herbert Kretzmer began his professional career as a journalist and was featured on the Daily Sketch and the Daily Mail.

It’s his work for french singer Charles Aznavour that caught the attention of producer Cameron Mackintosh in 1984. He went on to invite him to write the english version of Les Misérables. He extended the two-hour show crafted by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg into a three-hour show. The show then opened at the Barbican Theatre on October, 1985 and is still a huge success in the West-End. His work on Les Misérables, which includes songs like “Bring Him Home”, “On My Own” and “Empty Chairs At Empty Tables”, earned him a Tony and Grammy Awards.

“It is terribly sad to hear that the great Herbert Krtzmer passed away last night after a period of illness”, said Cameron Mackintosh. “His wonderful words for Les Misérables will live on in his memory forever more. […] God bless you, Herbie.”

We’re sure his memory will live on forever. Rest in peace mister Kretzmer and thank you for one of the best piece of theatre.