Oscar-winning songwriter Sir Tim Rice is to be honoured this week (Thursday, November 30) by the University of Sunderland.
The ardent Sunderland football fan is being awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to musical theatre, film and publishing.
The 62-year-old is known throughout the world for his partnership with Andrew Lloyd-Webber - creating such classics as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.
Sir Tim also created Blondel, a mediaeval romp, with Stephen Oliver and Chess, in collaboration with ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.
In the nineties he worked primarily with Disney, contributing lyrics to the movies Aladdin and The Lion King, which featured music by Sir Elton John and Hans Zimmer. He also wrote lyrics for the stage shows Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aida. During this time, he wrote the words for Cliff Richard’s theatrical blockbuster Heathcliff.
He has also written songs for Freddie Mercury, Placido Domingo and Elaine Page. His song, It’s Easy For You, co-written with Andrew Lloyd-Webber, was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1976.
He is currently reworking an operatic musical he has written with Alan Menken, King David, and is writing new stage and screen versions of Chess.
Sir Tim lives in London and Cornwall, where he has his own cricket team - The Heartaches. His work has won numerous awards, including 12 Ivor Novello awards, four Tonys and three Oscars. He was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 1999 and received a knighthood in 1994.
He is also a prolific writer, mainly on music and cricket, and a popular broadcaster.
Sir Tim began his professional life intending to be a solicitor, but was soon drawn to showbusiness.
Sir Tim will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from University of Sunderland Chancellor Lord Puttnam at an awards ceremony on Thursday (November 30).