and music of broadway's master into the pop firmament. >> it is the right singer at the right time with the right material. >> reporter: it was sondheim who was right for his time. ♪ someone to make you come through ♪ ♪ who always will be there as frightened as you ♪ ♪ of being alive ♪ >> reporter: filling theaters with songs about the complex relationships between people. ♪ i want you so ♪ ♪ it is like i'm losing my mind ♪ >> reporter: and unusual subjects, a murderous barber. ♪ a barber of fleet street ♪ >> reporter: presidential assassins, a 19th century french painter. >> stephen reinvented the american musical. >> reporter: presidential honors, eight tonys, pulitzer prize, an oscar, his name permanently in lights on broadway. ♪ something for everyone ♪