Three-time Tony Award-winner Charles Strouse, Broadway’s industrious, master melody-maker who composed the music for such classic musical theater hits as “Annie,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Applause,” died Thursday.

Charles Strouse, the renowned composer behind dozens of beloved Broadway songs, has died aged 96. Strouse died at his New York City home on Thursday, his four children announced. A cause of death was not disclosed.

In an interview with the Tribune in 2011, Strouse was asked if he had any idea that the Broadway show would be such a hit. “No,” he said. “This was a piece about the Depression. It was dark. The