[R.I.P.] Tom Lehrer, Influential Song Satirist With a Cult Following, Dead at 97

[natman]

Link
Tom Lehrer was a ground breaking satirist during the 50s and 60s. Author of such classic songs as Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, Oedipus Rex, The Vatican Rag and The Elements, he abandoned performing during the 70s, claiming that political satire had become obsolete when Henry Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize. His work was a heavy influence on such songwriters as Randy Newman and "Weird Al" Yankovic. He appeared on a weekly satire television review That Was the Week That Was.

He included reviews on his albums: "Plays piano acceptably" and "Mr. Lehrer's muse is unfettered by such inhibiting factors as taste."

His music has been entertaining me and millions for more than half a century. Rest In Peace and thanks.

 

[cpwill]

I had his CD's growing up. Fantastic material, fun man. RIP indeed.

 

[Felis Leo]

I grew up listening to his music. He was brilliant. Literally and truly. Best U.C. Santa Cruz Mathematics professor ever.

 

[Taylor]

Never heard of the guy, but sounds like he had a great, long life. We should all be so lucky.

 

[j brown's body]

My weird, not in a good way, math teacher played him for us. He had a song about new math. I wasn't good at math. Making it humorous did not make me good at math.

 

[cpwill]

I grew up listening to his music. He was brilliant. Literally and truly. Best U.C. Santa Cruz Mathematics professor ever.

Absolutely so. I can't imagine holding all this in my head long enough to compose.

 

[cpwill]

My weird, not in a good way, math teacher played him for us. He had a song about new math. I wasn't good at math. Making it humorous did not make me good at math.

NEW MATH

 

[Felis Leo]

My weird, not in a good way, math teacher played him for us. He had a song about new math. I wasn't good at math. Making it humorous did not make me good at math.

Mathematician humor was probably not meant for me either, but I still loved the New Math song.

 

[cpwill]

Coming up with a select one to post is difficult.

I think I'll go with Fight Fiercely Harvard:

 

[btthegreat]

I could do this all day. I am picking World War 3 songs because it could still happen like this. And with the melodrama of Iran getting the bomb... this is perfect.