Theodore Bikel was an Austrian-American singer, actor, and guitarist born as Theodore Meir Bikel on May 2, 1924, in Vienna. He achieved professional recognition for a musical career characterized by folk music and for his ability to sing in 21 languages. Bikel achieved professional recognition for a career that began after he emigrated to Palestine in 1938 and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He achieved professional recognition for signing with the label Elektra Records in 1955 and releasing several studio recordings of folk music. His recording career included the debut studio recording Folk Songs of Israel (1955) and the studio recording More Jewish Folk Songs (1959). Bikel achieved professional recognition for co-founding the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. He achieved professional recognition for performing as Captain von Trapp in the original Broadway production of the musical The Sound of Music (1959) which featured the song "Edelweiss" written specifically for him. His discography included the live recording Bravo Bikel (1959) and the studio recording Songs of Russia Old and New (1960). Bikel achieved professional recognition for performing the role of Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof over 2,000 times. He achieved professional recognition for collaborating with the musician Pete Seeger and the musician Bob Dylan. Bikel died of natural causes on July 21, 2015, in Los Angeles.
