Duncan Sheik dead – ‘Spring Awakening’ composer dies at 56 - USA Today
Duncan Sheik, the Grammy- and Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter and composer known for the hit "Barely Breathing" and the Broadway musical "Spring Awakening," died Thursday, Sept. 17, at a Manhattan hospital. He was 56.
Sheik's death was confirmed in a statement shared on his Instagram account Friday, Sept. 18.
"It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik," the statement began, describing the musician as a "singular talent" and "deeply influential voice in music and theater."
"Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, [intelligence], and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him," it continued. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community. His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."
The statement remembered Sheik as a father, husband, son, brother and friend, adding, "He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, intelligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him."
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community. His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love," the statement concluded.
Sheik's mother, Suzanne Sheik, separately confirmed his death to The New York Times on Sept. 17, revealing that her son died of organ failure. He is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, and their 7-year-old daughter, Ines.
His death came one day after a statement shared on his Instagram account said he was receiving medical care and remained in "critical but stable condition." His family did not disclose the nature of his condition at the time and requested privacy.
USA TODAY has reached out to Sheik's representatives for additional comment.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Sheik rose to prominence with "Barely Breathing," the breakout single from his self-titled 1996 debut album. The song spent 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.
Although "Barely Breathing" became his signature pop hit, Sheik later build an acclaimed career composing for the stage.
He teamed with lyricist and playwright Steven Sater to create "Spring Awakening," a rock musical adaptation of the German Playwright Frank Wedekind's 1891 play about teenagers confronting sexuality and repression.
The production opened on Broadway in 2006 and earned eight Tony Awards the following year, including best musical. Sheik won for best original score and best orchestrations. The cast recording later earned a Grammy award for best musical show album.
Before his death, Sheik had been working on "Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen," a new musical scheduled to begin performances off-Broadway in September.
