Acclaimed Broadway composer (and POZ cover boy) Jerry Herman was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the 63rd annual Tony Awards on June 7, The Associated Press reports.

Having lived openly with HIV since 1992, the 77-year-old music man is best known for his Tony Award–winning scores for Broadway hits La Cage aux Folles and Hello, Dolly!.

Actress Angela Lansbury—who won her first Tony starring in Herman’s Mame—presented the award.

“Did you know that I was born on this street and my mother thought there was something special that her hospital room had a great view of the Winter Garden marquee,” said Herman during his acceptance speech at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. “Well, here I am 77 years later, still on 50th Street but enjoying the ultimate moment of my life.”

Click here to read our Web Exclusive Q&A with Herman, published July 10, 2008.