Tom Lehrer, Musical Satirist With a Dark Streak, Dies at 97

Our Little Morphin Annie says:

From Tom Lehrer, music and math prodigy, short term veteran, lifelong bachelor, and equal opportunity satirist –skewering science, religion, politics, and assorted other cultural icons– has died. His last album was released 60 years ago but his song writing and piano playing sound sharp as ever.

I was raised on this stuff, back when liberals and conservatives, Catholics and Jews, blacks and whites, could laugh

at themselves and each other without taking offence or getting cancelled–and back when comedy came with talent and laughs. Take note, Colbert and all you humorless NPR afficionados.

Tom Lehrer’s website, where he very generously gives everyone all access to his words and music,

no royalties required: https://tomlehrersongs.com/

A few of my favorite ditties, that are still good:

htttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcS3NOQnsQM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvhYqeGp_Do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRLON3ddZIw
.

.

.


NYT:

[…] When a fan once asked Mr. Lehrer if he had ever married or had children, he replied, “Not guilty on both counts.” He leaves no immediate survivors.

Reflecting on his bicoastal life in a 1981 interview for Newsday, he said he planned to keep his Massachusetts home “until my brain turns completely to Jell-O, at which time I will of course move to California full time.”

6 Comments on Tom Lehrer, Musical Satirist With a Dark Streak, Dies at 97

Comments are closed.