CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Tom Lehrer, the legendary satirical songwriter and renowned mathematics professor, has passed away at 97. He passed away on Saturday at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, according to his friend David Herder. The cause of death was not shared.
Who Was Tom Lehrer?
Tom Lehrer was famous for his clever and humorous songs that poked fun at serious issues such as war, racism, religion, & politics. He performed these songs while playing the piano, often using clever and polite humor.
He was also a math professor who taught at Harvard and later at the University of California, Santa Cruz, well into his 70s.
His Famous Songs
Lehrer wrote about 36 songs in total. Some of his most popular ones include:
- “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park”
- “The Old Dope Peddler”
- “The Vatican Rag”
- “Be Prepared”
These songs made fun of things like church rituals, scouts, and old traditions. Even though he joked about sensitive topics, most people found his humor smart and harmless.
His Music Style
Lehrer was inspired by musical legends like Gilbert and Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim. Many later comedians and musicians — like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Randy Newman — said he influenced their work.
Why He Stopped Performing
Even though Lehrer became famous for his songs, he didn’t enjoy performing live. He once said it was like a novelist reading the same story every night. So, he stopped doing shows and focused more on teaching math.
In the 1960s, he briefly wrote weekly songs for the TV show That Was the Week That Was. These songs were later released in an album called That Was the Year That Was.
He Gave His Music Away for Free
In 2020, Lehrer gave the public full rights to his songs and lyrics. He said people could use them in any way — for free. This made fans love him even more.
Life and Education
- Born in 1928 in New York City
- Entered Harvard at age 15
- Earned a math degree at 18
- Later taught math at UC Santa Cruz
- Avoided finishing a Ph.D. to stay a student longer
He grew up in Manhattan, attended Broadway shows, and loved walking through Central Park.
His Work on Children’s TV
Lehrer also wrote educational songs for the kids’ show The Electric Company in the 1970s. He said helping children learn gave him more joy than his comedy songs.
Final Years
Lehrer lived a quiet life and rarely appeared in public. One of his last public appearances was in 1998 in London, celebrating a musical based on his songs.
He always reminded people that he was a math teacher first, and a songwriter second.
Legacy
Tom Lehrer’s clever songs, humor, and unique career made him one of the most respected and loved satirists of all time. His songs still make people laugh — and think — today.
Source: CNN
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