Tom Lehrer, song satirist and mathematician, dies at 97

9 months ago

Tom Lehrer, renowned song satirist and mathematician, passed away at 97.
He was known for his witty and erudite songs that satirized marriage, politics, racism, and the Cold War.
Lehrer abandoned his music career to return to teaching math at Harvard and other universities.
In 2020, he granted the public permission to use his lyrics freely, waiving copyright fees.
His songs included 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,' 'The Old Dope Peddler,' and 'The Vatican Rag,' which mocked various societal norms and institutions.
Lehrer was influenced by musical greats like Gilbert and Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim.
He was uncomfortable with public performances and preferred teaching over touring.
Lehrer contributed songs to the 1964 TV show 'That Was the Week That Was' and the children's educational show 'The Electric Company.'
Born in 1928 in New York City, Lehrer skipped two grades and entered Harvard at 15.
He taught math at the University of California, Santa Cruz, well into his late 70s.

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