Overview
Al Kasha (born January 22, 1937, New York City; died September 14, 2020, Los Angeles) was an American songwriter and lyricist whose work spanned popular music, film and television. He is most widely remembered for co-writing "The Morning After," the theme from the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Kasha worked extensively with a range of collaborators and singers over several decades.
Career and collaborations
Kasha established himself in the music industry through partnerships with other songwriters and producers. His longtime collaborator was composer Joel Hirschhorn; the duo produced material for motion pictures, television specials and recording artists. Kasha also wrote songs that were recorded by prominent performers, including the Aretha Franklin single "Operation Heartbreak." He balanced commercial pop songwriting with assignments for dramatic film scores and song placements.
Notable works and recognition
The most notable highlight of Kasha's career was the Academy Award he received for "The Morning After," a song written for The Poseidon Adventure (1972). That achievement brought his songwriting to a wide audience and exemplified his ability to write memorable, narrative-driven pop songs that complemented cinematic storytelling. Other credits include singles for well-known vocalists and contributions to television programming and stage projects.
Style and influence
Kasha's songs often combined straightforward, emotionally direct lyrics with accessible melodies suited to mainstream singers. His professional approach emphasized collaboration—pairing lyrics with melodies and arranging material to fit the needs of a film, television production or recording artist. Over his career he influenced younger songwriters who worked at the intersection of popular music and visual media.
Later years and legacy
In his later life Kasha remained a respected figure in songwriting circles and continued to be cited for his contributions to film music and popular songcraft. His death in Los Angeles at age 83 was noted in obituaries and tributes from colleagues and performers who had recorded his songs. Kasha's work endures mainly through recordings and the continuing recognition of "The Morning After" as a prominent example of a successful movie theme.