sell for hundreds of millions of dollars, few songwriters are likely to follow Mr Lehrer’s lead. The move is, however, entirely in character for Mr Lehrer, who has spent no more than 20 of his 94 years working in show business. This goes some way towards explaining why he is as obscure today as Mr Dylan is famous, yet his impact on his chosen form is every bit as profound. If anyone has a claim to have been present for the birth of modern satirical comedy, it is Mr Lehrer.
A distinct new comic sensibility was on the rise in America in the early 1950s: a kind of erudite, quick-fire, madcap insolence cloaked in dumb-guy shtick that endures to this day. Mr Lehrer shared it, but his humour had a mordant and often macabre tone. This, combined with his scientific interests—he delighted in devising hilariously inventive songs about plagiarism among mathematicians , or the periodic table —made him unpalatable to the mainstream entertainment business.
Is he a from the European or African community of American citizens?
'That's Mathematics!' is a favorite of mine and much liked by famous mathematicians likewise. Cheers!
I would love to hear his take on Trump. His 'vinyl' live record 'That was the Year that was' in 65 was and remains relevant today. Vatican Rag Who's Next So long Mom....... a must listen if you are not familiar with his work.
New Math must have got to him.
NickdMiller So clever.
'Bob Dylan has only written ~740 songs, so there's that.'
One of my favorite songs of his is: That's Mathematics! Cheers!
'So long Mom, I'm off to drop The Bomb, so don't wait up for me...'
At last you espouse something decent and worthwhile. A one off?