Tom Lehrer: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Tom Lehrer? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.
Thomas Andrew Lehrer ( ; April 9, 1928 – July 26, 2025) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, satirist and mathematician, who later taught mathematics and musical theater. He recorded pithy, humorous, and often political songs that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. His songs parodied popular musical forms, often with original melodies. Lehrer's early performances dealt with non-topical subjects and dark humor in songs such as "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park". In the 1960s, he produced songs about timely social and political issues, particularly for the U.S. version of the television show That Was the Week That Was. Lehrer quoted a friend's explanation: "Always predict the worst and you'll be hailed as a prophet." In the early 1970s, Lehrer largely retired from public performance to devote his time to teaching mathematics and musical theater history at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Quick facts about Tom Lehrer
- Full name: Tom Lehrer
- Born: 1928-04-09
- Nationality: United States
- Known as: Musician
- Wikidata ID: Q369724
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Tom Lehrer?
Thomas Andrew Lehrer ( ; April 9, 1928 – July 26, 2025) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, satirist and mathematician, who later taught mathematics and musical theater.
What nationality is Tom Lehrer?
Tom Lehrer is United States.
When was Tom Lehrer born?
Tom Lehrer was born on 1928-04-09.
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