Legendary Satirist Tom Lehrer Passes Away at 97

The Harvard-trained mathematician and songwriter, whose satirical songs gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s, is remembered for works like "The Elements" and "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park." Lehrer's influence extends to modern comedians and he left a lasting legacy in both music and academia.

American musical satirist Tom Lehrer has passed away at the age of 97, as reported by US media. Lehrer, a Harvard-trained mathematician, was known for his sharp, darkly humorous songs that resonated during the 1950s and 1960s. His unique blend of satire and wit has influenced contemporary comedians, including Weird Al Yankovic.

The announcement of his death was made by his friend David Herder to the New York Times. Born in Manhattan in 1928, Lehrer was a classically trained pianist who later found fame through his musical talents. Despite his achievements in music, he devoted much of his life to academia, taking up teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, and the University of California.

After graduating early from Loomis Chaffee School, Lehrer continued his education at Harvard, majoring in mathematics and earning his bachelor's degree in 1946 at the age of 18. He briefly pursued a Ph.D. at Columbia University. While at Harvard, he began crafting songs to entertain his peers, leading to the creation of some of his most memorable pieces, including "The Elements," performed to the tune of "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" from Gilbert and Sullivan's opera.

Lehrer's repertoire is filled with dark humor, exemplified by tracks such as "I Hold Your Hand in Mine," "I Got It From Agnes," and the famously quirky "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park." His first album, "Songs by Tom Lehrer," was released in 1953 and quickly became a word-of-mouth success, selling approximately half a million copies. However, much of his music faced censorship from the BBC soon after its release.

His career included performances in nightclubs across major cities, as well as creating songs for the US adaptation of the British satirical show "That Was the Week That Was." Lehrer's work often included political commentary, with tracks like the controversial "Vatican Rag" and the apocalyptic musings of "We Will All Go Together When We Go."

In the 1970s, Lehrer contributed to the children's show "The Electric Company," and in 1980, his songs were brought back into the spotlight with the musical revue "Tomfoolery." He taught both mathematics and musical theatre courses until 2001 at the University of California.

In a significant move in 2020, Lehrer placed his songwriting copyrights into the public domain, allowing unrestricted access for performances and recordings of his work. He expressed his decision in a statement where he humorously indicated that he relinquished all rights and welcomed anyone to "help yourselves." As of now, his website remains operational, a testament to his enduring legacy in both the music world and educational spheres.