Tom Lehrer passes away at 97: Remembering the satirical songwriter and math professor with a witty charm– Read inside

Time of India

17 hours ago

Tom Lehrer was a famous American musician, songwriter, and math professor known for his funny and clever songs. He used humour to talk about serious topics like politics, religion, and education.
He passed away at the age of 97 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The news of Tom Lehrer's demise was confirmed by his longtime friend David Herder to the New York Times. The sharp-witted musician and mathematician was known for his dark and funny songs like 'The Masochism Tango,' 'The Vatican Rag,' and 'The Elements'.
Tom Lehrer's life journey
Lehrer wasn't just a musical talent; he was also a brilliant mathematician. While he gained a cult following for his clever and often controversial songs, he continued to work as a math professor at Harvard and later at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
He once joked that he didn't need to rely on music for a living and could easily make a teacher's salary instead.
Born in New York into a Jewish family, Lehrer showed talent early, learning piano at the age of 7 and entering Harvard at just 15. He graduated with top honours and earned a master's degree shortly after. In 1953, he recorded his first album Songs of Tom Lehrer for just $40. The album, featuring humorous and satirical songs, quickly became popular among college students and sold over 10,000 copies.
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After serving in the Army, he released 'More of Tom Lehrer' in 1959, which included some of his best-known songs like 'The Elements' and 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park'. His style was edgy, and he was grouped with other bold comedians of the time like Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl. His live shows were famously titled 'An Evening Wasted With Tom Lehrer.'
In 1965, Lehrer gained national fame through the show 'That Was the Week That Was'. His album 'That Was the Year That Was' became a hit in a short period. The songs poked fun at politics, religion, war, and education with sharp humour. He also wrote songs for the children's show 'The Electric Company' and supported political campaigns like George McGovern's in 1972.
Later in life, Lehrer stepped away from the spotlight and focused on teaching math and musical theatre. He never married and had no children, but his witty and intelligent songs continue to inspire and entertain generations.