Tom Lehrer
- Born:
- April 9, 1928, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer-songwriter, Satirist, Pianist, Mathematician, Lecturer
Early Life and Education
- Began classical piano training at a young age.
- Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (1946).
- Earned a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics from Harvard University (1947).
- Pursued a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Harvard, but left without completing the dissertation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing and performing satirical songs while working as a mathematics instructor.
- Gained a following through self-produced recordings and live performances.
- Achieved significant popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly during the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Wrote songs for the educational television show The Electric Company in the 1970s.
- Taught mathematics and musical theater at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Notable Works
- Albums:
- Songs by Tom Lehrer (1953)
- More Songs by Tom Lehrer (1959)
- An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer (1959)
- That Was The Year That Was (1965)
- Tom Lehrer Revisited (1960)
- Songs:
- "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park"
- "The Elements" (a musical rendition of the periodic table)
- "I Hold Your Hand in Mine"
- "National Brotherhood Week"
- "We Will All Go Together When We Go"
Legacy and Impact
Tom Lehrer's satirical songs, particularly compositions like "The Elements," which memorably set the elements of the periodic table to music (often referred to as 'the periodic table song original'), have had a lasting impact on popular culture and education. His witty and often biting social commentary remains relevant, and his songs are still performed and enjoyed by audiences worldwide. His contributions to musical satire and education are widely recognized.