James Rado Cause of Death Revealed: 'Hair' Musical Co-creator Dead at 90

James Rado, who co-created the Broadway musical "Hair," died. He was 90.

Rado's friend and publicist Merle Frimark confirmed his tragic passing to several news outlets. The Hollywood Reporter added that he died on Tuesday in New York City.

His family is yet to release an official statement regarding his death, but it was already confirmed that James Rado's cause of death was due to cardiorespiratory arrest.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the disease happens suddenly with no warning signs. It occurs when a person's heart stops beating and halts the circulation of blood. This can cause brain death within three minutes if responders fail to revive the patient.

Per The Guardian, Rado felt the love of his family and loved ones as they surrounded him until he let out his last breath and died peacefully.

Fans and colleagues who saw his works paid tribute to him online and sent heartfelt messages to his bereaved family.

One said, "James Rado, co-creator of Broadway musical Hair died at age 90. I went to see the show on Broadway when I was 16 and that was the day I let the sunshine in. Orange sunshine that is."

James Rado's Legacy

Among his works, Rado's "Hair" scored the most attention.

The Broadway musical received mixed reactions as it became the first rock musical on Broadway and the first show to feature full nudity. It also became the first Broadway show to have a same-sex kiss.

Rado worked with Gerome Ragni to write its story and lyrics, while Galt MacDermot was responsible for its music. It ran for over 1,750 performances.

Before his death, Rado shared his love for the genre in an interview.

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"There was a wonderful warmth in the hippie atmosphere, a sense of freedom. Men would just come up to you and take you in their arms, and it was so freeing and felt so good. It's a psychological truth that had been so blocked from human behavior," he said.

Despite the existence of criticisms, "Hair" 2009 revival eventually earned a Tony for best revival of a musical. Rado also scored a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

After "Hair," Rado and Ragni worked on other two musicals, "Sun and Jack Sound" and "His Dog Star Blowing His Final Trumpet on the Day of Doom."

James Rado was survived by his brother, sister-in-law, nieces, great-nieces, and a great-nephew.

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