Peter Allen, a songwriter and entertainer who wrote hits including "Arthur's Theme" and "Don't Cry Out Loud," has died of an AIDS-related illness, his personal assistant said. He was 48.
Allen, who died Thursday, made his last concert appearances in January before packed houses in Sydney, Australia.An Australian who was discovered by Judy Garland and once was married to her daughter, Liza Minnelli, Allen had lived the past 15 years in Leucadia, about 20 miles north of San Diego.
His hit songs included "I Honestly Love You" for Olivia Newton-John, who said Allen was a good friend.
"Even though he is now gone, I'm glad I'll have his song forever," she said in a statement.
Among his other hits were "Don't Cry Out Loud," for Melissa Manchester; "You and Me (We Wanted It All)," for Frank Sinatra; "Arthur's Theme," for Christopher Cross; and "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love," for Rita Coolidge.
Allen received an Academy Award for "Arthur's Theme," which was in the film "Arthur."
He was born in Tenterfield, Australia, and began singing in pubs there at age 5. Garland discovered his act at a Hong Kong hotel while on a world tour and was impressed enough to ask him to open for her in Miami, Las Vegas and other cities.
Allen went on to write songs and record 11 albums.
He shone in big concerts with lots of production numbers, in which he was on stage non-stop, appearing tireless. His signature songs were "Quiet Please (There's a Lady on Stage)" and "I Go to Rio."