About

Al Kasha has reached the top of every field that he has lent his talents to: as a writer, producer, composer, motivational speaker and executive working in theatre, film, television, home video, music publishing, and recording.

Mr. Kasha is one of those rare artists who, as a composer/lyricist, has had hit records over the last five decades, starting in the sixties and continuing on to the seventies, eighties, nineties and into the present, ranging from Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin to Helen Reddy to Sherrie Austin to Donna Summer.

He has been awarded two Oscars and had two other Academy Award nominations for his critically acclaimed work in films. His first Academy Award for Best Song was for " THE MORNING AFTER " from THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, and his second for " WE MAY NEVER LOVE LIKE THIS AGAIN " from THE TOWERING INFERNO. Two additional nominations came from the Live-Action Animated Walt Disney classic PETE'S DRAGON, which is now a platinum best selling home video. He also received Tony nominations for his work on "SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS" and the musical, "DAVID COPPERFIELD . " In addition, he has received two Grammy nominations, an Emmy, four Golden Globe nominations and the coveted People's Choice award.

Biography

Al was born in Brooklyn, New York. He lived over the store where his mother and father had a little barber shop and beauty parlor. His father was a violent alcoholic who was abusive and his mother, engulfed by paranoia, contributed to a challenging family life. Though Al had many struggles growing up, he lived across the street from the Warner Brothers-Vitagraph Studios, where he and his brother played extras in various movie trailers of the time. Then a man at the studio heard him sing, and his show biz career was born. At sixteen he began to write songs and after a few years, his songs were recorded by the likes of Jackie Wilson, Elvis and Bobby Darin. He then followed his passion to become a record producer at the age of twenty-two. From there he went on to head A&R at CBS Records' music publishing company. He was responsible for the signing of: Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Andy Williams, The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin.

Mr. Kasha then discovered Rodney Dangerfield in 1966 in the Catskill Mountains of New York, and financed, produced and recorded Rodney's first album at the Upstairs Downstairs club in Greenwich Village, called “The Loser,” and was the first person to give the struggling, unknown comedian the idea for the image of “no respect.” The album was released on Decca/Uni Records. Though he enjoyed a fruitful career in New York during the musical heyday of the 60's, in 1968, he moved to Hollywood to pursue a musical career in the motion picture industry.

Al immediately got to work and wrote, among many others, the Academy Award winning songs "THE MORNING AFTER" from THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, and "WE MAY NEVER LOVE LIKE THIS AGAIN" from THE TOWERING INFERNO.

He also wrote the music and lyric to the beloved Live-Action Animated Walt Disney classic PETE'S DRAGON, with his longtime collaborator Joel Hirschhorn, which is now a platinum best selling home video. He and Joel also wrote the international standard, “ THE OLD FASHIONED WAY ,” with Charles Aznavour, one of the many successful songs they collaborated on with Aznavour. This material will be featured in “ THE LIFE OF CHARLES AZNAVOUR ,” slated for the West End and produced by Mike Merrick. He produced and directed the long-running Las Vegas revue "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL," and the Atlantic City musical version of Cole Porter's "CAN CAN" starring Yvonne De Carlo. He also produced the motion picture TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT, inspired by the hit song of the same name. With over thirty motion picture scores to his credit, some of his best loved work has stemmed from his scoring contributions to films such as the animated classic "ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN," the live action adventure "GIANT OF THUNDER MOUNTAIN," "CHINA CRY" (which won the coveted Angel Award) and "RUDOLPH, THE RED NOSED REINDEER," an Animated Movie Musical, starring John Goodman and Whoopi Goldberg.

As a creative entertainment entrepreneur, Al Kasha has run private and public entertainment corporations. He has served as President of The Family Channel Music Division as well as President of National General Records and was Co-Founder and Director of AFT-American Film Technologies. It was in this introduction to the arena of television that Al was able to write the following:

Kellogg’s TV Animated Musical special - "A TOUCAN CAN," starring Donna Summer and Jason Alexander; NBC-TV 2-hour Prime Time Animated Musical Special of Charles Dickens' classic "DAVID COPPERFIELD" starring Julian Lennon, Sheena Easton, Howie Mandel, Michael York, and Andrea Martin. This special, co-produced by Al Kasha, also aired in Canada and France; and ABC-TV "THE KINGDOM CHUMS," a Prime Time Animated Musical Special featuring Tony Orlando, Billy Preston, Debby Boone, Frankie Valli, and Marilyn McCoo. Other Prime Time Animated Musical Specials include ABC's "PRECIOUS MOMENTS," CBS/Marvel/McDonalds "THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH" and The Family Channel's "THE LITTLE TREE."

Even though the world gifted him with Oscars and other tokens of recognition for his work, his life was based on the bondage of achievement. He never felt the peace which he had once assumed would accompany that kind of acclaim. This workaholism and striving resulted in depression and illness, which manifested itself in a disease called agoraphobia, a paralyzing fear of being in open, public places. At the height of his success, he had won two Academy Awards and received many other awards, but the burden of balancing work and personal life became completely overwhelming.

During this time, Al discovered his faith the in church and became a born-again believer. Since then, his life changed greatly, to the point where he can comfortably travel and speak to groups about agoraphobia and the deliverance of fears as well as about being a Christian living in Hollywood. In January 1984, he was ordained a minister. That same year, the weekly Hollywood Bible studies that he had originated became so big that he and his wife started a church, the Oasis Christian Fellowship. Now the Hollywood Bible Study has grown, through the inspirational ministry of Tim Storey, to reach over a thousand people monthly. He continues to speak at Churches, universities and executive ministries around the world and teach songwriting around the country. Amongst many other universities and organizations, Mr. Kasha has spoken at Yale, UCLA, University of Southern California, University of Colorado, University of San Francisco, Pacific Azusa, Pepperdine, Fuller, Regent University, Oral Roberts University, Kings College and Seminary, ASCAP Workshop, Songwriters Guild, and the National Academy of Songwriters, etc and is currently on the board of Regent University in Virginia Beach.

Since then, Mr. Kasha has never looked back and is currently working on a number of stage and film projects including the musical, "REJOICE," with composer/record producer David Foster, a 14 time Grammy winner, and the Broadway bound musical "ORDINARY GIRL" based on the life of Donna Summer. He is also writing a film based on his time with the legend Jackie Wilson, entitled, "My Empty Arms." He still enjoys writing music, and recording with artists such as All 4 One, Sheena Easton, Juilian Lennon, and Donna Summer. The more recent contemporary artists to record his work are Eden’s Crush of WB’s Popstars and MTV’s 2-Gether, as well as Sherrie Austin, who received the number one country/Christian record of 2004 and an ASCAP COUNTRY AWARD with Al's hit “ STREETS OF HEAVEN ,” as well as Donna Summer's whose hit with Al, "I'm A Fire," which climbed to number one on the Billboard Dance Charts.

As two-time Tony Nominees, Al Kasha is now enjoying the triumphant run of his musical, “ SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS ,” which is currently touring nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom.

Book Publications:

Kasha has written four best-selling books. His best selling IF THEY ASK YOU, YOU CAN WRITE A SONG for Simon & Schuster is in Marvin Hamlisch's words, "the definitive book on songwriting." NOTES ON BROADWAY , his Simon & Schuster release, has been called "the best book ever written on the making of the American musical." Also recently released are the books HOW TO WRITE A HIT SONG , a revised and updated songwriting guide, as well as REACHING THE MORNING AFTER, the life story of Al and his brother Larry Kasha. It’s a ‘rags to riches’ show business story of how they achieved their Oscars and Tony’s.

Comedy and Special Material Writing:

Produced, co-wrote and discovered Rodney Dangerfield’s “THE LOSER,” and gave him the image of no respect. He wrote material for him while in New York for On Broadway Tonight, The Ed Sullivan Show and club and concert appearances.

Co-wrote Liz Torres’ nightclub act and concerts.

Co-wrote Liza Minelli for the television show, Aznavour to Minelli.

Co-wrote Zero Mostel’s television specials.

Co-wrote for Dom DeLuise in Benito and worked on his act.

Wrote for Anthony Newley’s nightclub act.

Two-Time Academy Award Winner
Best Song - “The Morning After” From “The Poseidon Adventure” (20th Century Fox) Best Song - “We May Never Love Like This Again” From “The Towering Inferno” (Fox/Warner Bros.)

Other Academy Award Nominations
Best Song Score - "Pete's Dragon" Disney (Live Action Animation) Best Song - “Candle On The Water” From “Pete's Dragon” (Disney)

Broadway Tony Nominations
Best Score - “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” Nederlander/Kasha Prods. Best Score - “Copperfield” Merrick/Gregory/Kasha Prods.

Four Golden Globe Nomiations
Best Song - “The Morning After” From “The Poseidon Adventure” (20th Century Fox) Best Song - “We May Never Love Like This Again” From “The Towering Inferno” (Fox/Warner Bros.) Best Song - “I’d Like To Be You For A Day” From “Freaky Friday” (Disney) Best Song Score - “Pete’s Dragon” Disney (Live Action Animation)

People's Choice Award
Best Song - “We May Never Love Like This Again” From “The Towering Inferno” (Fox/Warner Bros.)

Angel Awards
Best Animated Special - “ The Kingdom Chums ” ABC Best Original Score - “ China Cry ” TBN Best Book - “ Reaching The Morning After ” Nelson Publications 1991 Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Grammy Nominations
Best Song - “The Morning After” From “The Poseidon Adventure” (20th Century Fox) Best Vocal Arrangement - “Go Away Little Girl” CBS Records

Dramalogue Award
Best Musical - “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” Nederlander/Kasha Prods.

Fennecus Award
Best Song/Score – “All Dogs Go To Heaven” Sullivan/Bluth/UA/Goldcrest

Television Series

“Popstars”
“2-Gether” Series
“Beyond Belief” (main title theme/scoring
“The Simpsons”
“It Takes Two” (main title theme/scoring)
“Shopping Spree ” (main title theme/scoring)
“Shop ‘Til You Drop” (main title theme/scoring)
“A Toucan-Can” (main title theme/scoring/song score)
“The Challengers” (main title theme/scoring)
“Dick Clark’s Golden Greats” (main title theme/scoring)
“Getting In Touch” (The David Viscott Show)
“First In Ten” (scoring/songs)
“Heroes Made In The U.S.A. ” (main title theme/scoring)
“Knots Landing” (scoring)

WB Network
MTV Productions
Dick Clark Productions
Twentieth Century Fox
The Family Channel
The Family Channel
The Family Channel
Kelloggs (Animated Special)
Dick Clark/Buena Vista
Dick Clark/Buena Vista
Dick Clark/Access Productions
Kushner/Locke
Kushner/Locke
Lorimar

Televison Features

“Christmas Everyday” (Movie of the Week)
“Santa The Village Toymaker” (Animated)
“David Copperfield’s Christmas”
“1993 U.S.A. Music Challenge”
“The Magic Paintbrush” (CBS Anim. Special)
“1992 U.S.A. Music Challenge”
“The Littlest Tree” (Animated Special)
“Precious Moments” (CBS Animated Special)
“Ozma of Oz”
“Caddie Woodlawn”
“The Ultimate Stuntman (The Dar Robinson Story)”
“The Kingdom Chums -- The Original Top Ten”
“Trapped Beneath The Sea”
“Someone I Touched”
“The Unemployables”
“No Earthly Reason”
“Sergeant T.K. Yu”
“ Mission U.S.A. ”
“ America You’re Too Young To Die”

The Family Channel Pictures
The Family Channel Pictures
(Prime-time Anim. Special) NBC/Astral Communications
Dick Clark Productions/Taco Bell/Pepsi
Marvel Productions/McDonalds
Dick Clark Productions/Taco Bell/Pepsi
Northstar Entertainment
Hallmark/Landmark
Lorimar/Kushner-Locke
Disney/Wonderworks/Churchill
ABC/GRB
ABC (Prime Time Animated Special)
ABC/Capra Productions
ABC/Fries Entertainment
NBC/Waller Enterprises
CBN/Peter Engel Productions
NBC/Hanna Barbera
CBN
Syndicated/De Moss Productions

Television Themes

“ Shopping Spree Theme”
“Wait Til You Have Kids Theme”
“The Family Channel Logo Theme”
“The MTM Logo Theme”
“The Family Channel Pictures Theme”
“Morton’s By The Bay” (The Nell Carter Show)
“The Kingdom Chums”
“Three’s A Crowd”
“Kids Inc.”
“The New Mickey Mouse Club”
“Aznavour & Minelli - From A to Z”
“Having Babies”
“Joanie Loves Chachi”
“Two Guys From Muck”
“Runaway Barge”
“Another April”
“ Old Faithful ”
“Rosenthal & Jones”

The Family Channel
The Family Channel
The Family Channel
MTM
The Family Channel
NBC/Weintraub
ABC (Animated Musical Special)
ABC/John Ritter/Taffner
Disney
Disney
ABC/Wolper
ABC/Phoenix Productions
ABC/Paramount
NBC/Lorimar/Filerman
ABC/Lorimar
CBS
ABC/Winter & Rosen
NBC

Commercials

Broadway Theatre

Used People (Largo Films)
Mattel/Disney Toys
The American Dream
Linzer
Lloyd’s Bank
American City Bank
Power of Living
Tinderbox

“Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” *
“Copperfield” *
“Charles Aznavour’s One Man Show”
“Folies Bergere”
“The Toller Cranston Show”
“Ordinary Girl” - Starring Donna Summer
Tinderbox

* Tony Nominees

Independent Producer - Al Kasha
“ Santa The Village Toymaker ” “ Take This Job and Shove It ” “ Seven Brides For Seven Brothers ” “ Copperfield ” “ Can Can” by Cole Porter * “ Let The Good Times Roll ” * * Directed by Al Kasha	The Family Channel Pictures Embassy Motion Pictures Broadway Musical/National Tour Broadway Musical/National Tour Tropicana 0Hotel/Atlantic City Tropicana Hotel/Las Vegas Revue National Co.

Artists Who Have Recorded Al Kasha Songs
2-Gether Susie Allanson Peter Allen Nancy Ames The Arbors Fred Astaire Patti Austin Sherrie Austin Charles Aznavour Scott Baio Hank Ballard Linsey Bartilson Shirley Bassey Jodi Benson Robbie Benson Debby Boone Clint Black The Bluebeards The Brooklyn Bridge The Bugaloos George Burns The Burrito Brothers Carmen Vicki Carr Andrea Carroll Nell Carter Johnny Cash Irene Cara The Chamber Brothers Chicago Loop Tony Christie Jimmy Clanton Petula Clark David Allan Coe Tony Conigliaro Ray Conniff Floyd Cramer King Curtis Lacy J. Dalton Rodney Dangerfield Bobby Darin James Darren Sammy Davis Jr. Neil Diamond Ernie K. Doe Ronnie Dove Sheana Easton Eden ’s Crush of Pop Stars Mama Cass Elliott Steve Elliot The Exiles Cristina Ferrare Henry Fonda The Four Evers The Four Seasons The Four Tops Aretha Franklin	Carolyn Franklin Erma Franklin Freddie and the Dreamers The Fugue Four The Glories Whoopi Goldberg John Goodman Leslie Gore Eydie Gorme Buddy Greco Robert Guillame Roy Hamilton David Hasselhoff The Hardy Boys Brian Hyland Eric Idle It’s a Beautiful Day James Ingram Freddie Jackson Etta James Eddie Jason Jay & The Americans Robert John Jack Jones The Kane Triplets Billy J. Kramer Steve Lawrence Kelly LeBrock Cloris Leachman Peggy Lee Julian Lennon Tommy Leonetti The Letterman Liberace Debby Lytton Lloyd Jesse Lopez Trini Lopez Arvie Lowe Jr. Taj Mahal Melissa Manchester Howie Mandel Joseph Marcel Andrea Martin Al Martino Tobin Matthews Marilyn McCoo Maureen McGovern Clyde McPhatter Bill Medley Mary Miller Liza Minelli Taylor Momsen Dean Morgan Gary Morris Tahj Mowry Ron Murphy Myra	Johnny Nash Peter Nero Anthony Newly Wayne Newton Bobby Norris Daniel O’Donnell Johnny O’Keefe Annette O’Toole Roy Orbison Donny Osmond Marie Osmond Peppermint Trollie Co. Peters & Lee Bobby Peterson Plant Life Elvis Presley Peppermint Rainbow The Pointer Sisters Raven The Razor’s Edge Helen Reddy Debbie Reynolds Charlie Rich Rochelle Tommy Roe Johnny Rodrigues Leon Russell Russell Brothers Mitch Ryder Helen Shapiro Ashlee Simpson Frank Sinatra Nancy Sinatra Connie Stevens Jimmy Stewart The Sprites Donna Summer Johnny Tillotson Moses Tyson Leslie Uggams Frankie Valli The Ventures Adam Wade Jennifer Warnes Dinah Washington Maurice White May Whitman The Whitneys The Wild Ones Roger Williams Jackie Wilson Camille Winbush Edgar Winter Chuck Woolery Michael York

Al Kasha Family Entertainment Awards

“Pete’s Dragon” Disney Motion Picture

Academy Award Nominee
Best Song Score (1978)
Best Song “Candle on the Water” (1978)



“ China Cry” TBN Motion Picture

Angel Award - Best Original Score (1995 - 1996)

“Magic Paintbrush” Marvel - CBS

Parent’s Magazine Best Animated Children’s Special

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” Broadway Stage Musical

Dramalogue Award Winner (1987)
Tony Nominee (1988)

“Copperfield” Broadway Stage Musical

Tony Nominee - Best Score (1992 - 1993)

“Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield” NBC Christmas Special

First ever 2-hour animated prime-time program.

“All Dogs Go To Heaven” UA/MGM Motion Picture

Billboard Magazine - Number 1 Selling Video (1992)

“Kingdom Chums -- Original Top Ten” ABC Easter Special

Film Advisory Award (1992)
Angel Award - Best Animated Special (1992)

“Precious Moments” NBC Prime-time Animated Special

“Reaching the Morning After” Nelson Publications

Angel Award - Best Book (1988 - 1989)
Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award (1991)

“ America , You’re Too Young To Die” DeMoss Foundation

T.V. Syndication (1987)

“Freaky Friday” Disney Motion Picture

Golden Globe Nomination
Best Song “I’d Like To Be You For a Day” (1981)

“Missions U.S.A. ” Baptist Mission Board

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” Goodtimes Motion Picture

Award of Special Merit from Southern CA Motion Picture Council Score (1999)

“A Perfect Life: The Story of Al Kasha” Jewish Voice Ministries

Telle Award– Best Life Story Video (2002)

HIGHLIGHTS OF AL KASHA'S RECORD PRODUCING CAREER

HERE ARE A SELECT FEW OF THE SINGLES AND ALBUMS THAT AL KASHA HAS
PRODUCED OVER THE COURSE OF HIS CAREER

For Donna Summer:
"I'm A Fire" & "It's Only Love"

For TVT Records:
2-Gether "You're the Only One That's Real"

For Epic Records:
Adam Wade "One is a Lonely Number"
Adam Wade "Someone Mentioned Your Name"
Roy Hamilton "Don't Come Crying to Me"
Helen Shapiro "It's My Party"

For Smash Records:
Forevers "Be My Girl"
Forevers "If I Were a Magician"

For Mercury Records:
Jimmy Clanton "Lost Little Boy"

For Phillips Records:
Peter Allen "Ten Below"

For Twentieth Century Records:
Tony Morton at Carnegie Hall

For Dynavoice Records:
The Chicago Loop "When You Need Good Lovin', You Come to Me"
The Glories "I Stand Accused"

For Veejay Records
Vi Velasco "What Am I Supposed to Do"

For Brunswick Records:
Jackie Wilson "I'm Comin' On Back to You" - #16 on the charts
Jackie Wilson "My Empty Arms" (co-produced)
Jackie Wilson "Lonely Life"

For Columbia Records:
Steve Lawrence "Go Away Little Girl" - #1
Steve Lawrence"Don't Be Afraid Little Darlin'" - #10
Eydie Gorme "Blame It On the Bossa Nova" - #5
Eydie Gorme "Don't Try To Fight It Baby" - #43
Steve Lawrence & Edyie Gorme "I Just Want To Stay Here and Love You" - Top Ten
Steve Lawrence & Edyie Gorme "Can't Stop Talking About You" - #36
Aretha Franklin "Rock a Bye Baby" - #15
Aretha Franklin "Operation Heartbreak" - #6 on the R&B charts
Aretha Frankline "I Surrender, Dear"
Neil Diamond "At Night"
Neil Diamond "Clown Town"
Buzz Clifford "Magic Circle"

For Decca/MCA Records:
Rodney Dangerfield "The Loser, No Respect"
Al discovered Mr. Dangerfield

For Disney Records:
Pete's Dragon - the animated Walt Disney Classic
Starring Helen Reddy, and featuring the songs:
"Candle on the Water"
"It's Not Easy"
"Passamashloddy"
"Happiest Home in the Hills"
"The Boo Bop Song"
"There's Room for Everyone"
"Every Little Piece"
"Bill of Sale"
"I Saw a Dragon"
"Brazzle Dazzle Day"

For Warner Records:

China Cry Soundtrack
featuring the single, "No One But You," performed by Irene Cara
and including the rest of the dramatic score

Giant of Thunder Mountain Soundtrack
featuring the singles, "Now I Have Everything" and "The Giant of Thunder
Mountain," both performed by Gary Morris and including the rest of the
dramatic score.

AL KASHA - JOEL HIRSCHHORN

33 AWARDS

ACADEMY AWARDS
Best song: The Morning After
Best Song: We May Never Love Like This Again

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS
Best Song: Candle On the Water
Best Score: Pete's Dragon

TONY NOMINATIONS
Best Score -- Copperfield
Best Score -- Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS
Best Song: The Morning After
Best Song: We May Never Love Like This Again
Best Song: I'd Like to Be You For a Day
Best Score: Pete's Dragon

DRAMALOGUE AWARD
Best Musical: Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Best Song: We May Never Love Like This Again

PARENTS MAGAZINE AWARD
Best Children's Musical: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

FENECUS AWARD
Best Song: Love Survives

APEX AWARD
Best Song: Love Survives

GRAMMY NOMINATION
The Morning After

EMMY NOMINATION
The Unemployables

Two-Time Academy Award Winner

Other Academy Award Nominations

Broadway Tony Nominations

Four Golden Globe Nomiations

People's Choice Award

Angel Awards

Grammy Nominations

Dramalogue Award

Fennecus Award

Television Series

Televison Features

Television Themes

Commercials

Broadway Theatre

Independent Producer - Al Kasha

Artists Who Have Recorded Al Kasha Songs