Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer, the pianist and musical satirist whose sharp-witted songs blended ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, and musical theater, passed away on July 26th in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was 97. His concise yet impactful catalog, including “The Vatican Rag” and “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” used syncopated rhythms and clever lyrics to parody American culture and current events. Though not a virtuoso, his piano accompaniment and deadpan delivery amplified his satirical edge, making him a cult figure in the 1950s and 1960s music scene.

Lehrer’s albums captured his unique blend of humor and social commentary, influencing later satirists. After retiring from performing to teach mathematics at MIT, he remained a beloved figure, inspiring both the publisher of this paper and Jeff Barnhart, who writes about Lehrer in this issue. In October 2020, Lehrer transferred the music and lyrics for all songs he had ever written into the public domain, stating, “In short, I no longer retain any rights to any of my songs. So help yourselves, and don’t send me any money.”