Clark Gesner

Clark Gesner (1938–2002) was an American composer, lyricist, and playwright. He is best known for creating the musical *You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown*, based on Charles M. Schulz’s *Peanuts* characters, which became a long-running favorite in schools and theaters. Gesner also wrote *The Joyce Book*, a song cycle that sets poems by James Joyce to music, reflecting his interest in literary sources and witty, character-driven songwriting. Across his work, he combined clear melodies with sharp, conversational lyrics and a light theatrical touch. Gesner’s contributions helped shape modern American musical theater and popularized *Peanuts* onstage.