David Geffen recommends famed Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman to write the songs for the show. When Brooks meets with Jerry Herman at his home in Beverly Hills, California, Herman says he doesn't think he's the right man for the job. Instead, he convinces Brooks to write the songs himself. Jerry Herman: "You're a very good songwriter. ... you've already got two major songs written. All you have to do is write a dozen or so more and you've got yourself a Broadway score. Go, with my blessings, do it!" Photo: Jerry Herman.