Stephen Sondheim was born on this day, March 22, in 1930. An American composer and lyricist, Sondheim has received an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer, including a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Karsh photographed Sondheim twice in 1986; it was prolific year that included sittings with other musical luminaries, such as Kenny Rogers and Dave Brubeck.