Marc Blitzstein was an American composer and lyricist, best known for his work in musical theater. Born on March 2, 1905, he gained fame for his adaptation of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "The Threepenny Opera," which he translated into English. Blitzstein's most notable original work is "The Cradle Will Rock," a politically charged musical that premiered in 1937. Throughout his career, Blitzstein was influenced by social issues and often incorporated themes of labor and justice into his music. He was also involved in various artistic movements, collaborating with figures like Orson Welles and contributing to the development of American musical theater. Blitzstein passed away on January 22, 1964.