Rod Hausen, pianist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, musical director and vocal teacher, died Jan. 18 due to complications from cancer. He was 52.
Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the Mannes School of Music and Boston U. He was a regular fixture on the cabaret and comedy club circuit during his career, including stints as resident musical director at both the original Catch a Rising Star and Upstairs at Greene Street.
Among the many performers Hausen worked with were Joy Behar, Pat Benatar, Richard Belzer, Mario Cantone, Jamie deRoy, Baby Jane Dexter, Leata Galloway, Englebert Humperdinck, Bob McGrath, Jane Olivor, Tony Orlando and BJ Thomas.
Hausen was also deRoy's musical director for 25 years, accompanying her at her variety shows, as well as creating songs and orchestrations for her five Jamie deRoy & Friends albums.
Hausen also composed the score for a musical revue at Caroline's Comedy Club about former Mayor Koch called "How'm I Doin'?" Robert Joffrey commissioned him to write the music for his ballet "American Dreamer."
In addition, Hausen was president of ARTS/Education Inc., which owned the American School for Performing Arts in New Jersey. There, he produced educational children's theater, including the Young Peoples Theater Project, a program to which he passionately dedicated his energies.
He was a member of ASCAP and the Musicians' Union Local 802.
Hausen is survived by his wife, Susan, and parents.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. A memorial service in New York City will be announced at a later date.
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