A flamboyant and effusive man who relished the good life, and had the money to bankroll it, Marty Richards was known as a great talker, a font of showbiz stories, and a thrower of opulent parties (Cy Coleman would perform alongside Neil Sedaka). He was also an open admirer of talent, his fascination with artists he respected never dimming. "I've always been terribly intimidated by Stephen Sondheim's genius, and I was afraid to approach him," he once said. "But he's the least stubborn composer. If you need another song, he just goes home and writes one and brings it back the next day."