Trivia

Has been nominated for three Tony Awards with collaborator Tom Jones: in 1964, as Best Composer and Lyricist for "110 in the Shade," and in 1967, as Best Composer and Lyricist and his music as part of a Best Musical nomination for "I Do! I Do!"

Composer of "The Fantasticks," which became the longest-running musical in US history; it ran for 41 years. The lyricist and book writer was Tom Jones, whom Schmidt met at the University of Texas.

A prolific composer, he never learned to read or write music.

Won a special Tony Award in 1992 (with partner Tom Jones) for excellence in musical theater.