Jerry Blatt, 47; Composer Wrote for Midler

Jerry Blatt, a composer and lyricist long associated with Bette Midler, died Jan. 19 in Amsterdam, where he was being treated for cancer. He was 47.

Blatt composed music and wrote lyrics for such children’s shows as “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company” before teaming with Midler in 1975 in “Clams on the Half Shell,” a Broadway review. He later co-wrote and directed five of Midler’s national tours and one world tour as well as “Divine Madness” on Broadway.

He worked on nearly all her TV variety shows, scoring music and creating characters. His work included “The Bette Midler Show,” winner of the first ACE Award given by the cable industry.