Tom Lehrer, Genius Satirist and Math Professor, Dies at 97

Tom Lehrer, the renowned mathematical satirist known for his sharp wit and insightful songs like "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park," passed away at the age of 97. A Harvard prodigy who earned a math degree at 18, Lehrer later transitioned to a successful music career, lampooning marriage, politics, racism, and the Cold War. However, he eventually abandoned his musical pursuits to return to teaching mathematics at Harvard and other universities. Despite a relatively small body of work, his influence on subsequent musicians is undeniable. In 2020, he released his lyrics into the public domain, allowing free use of his work. Lehrer's life was a unique blend of academic brilliance and artistic genius.