Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning composer of the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening, has died at 56.
Sheik died Thursday night of organ failure at a hospital in Manhattan, his mother told The New York Times Friday.
Sheik’s family put out a statement earlier this week on Instagram sharing that the composer was “receiving medical care” and was in “critical but stable condition.” Further details were not disclosed.
In a follow-up post Friday announcing his death, his family wrote: “The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater. From his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Barely Breathing’ to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
“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.
“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.”
Sheik had posted several photos from the hospital during the summer, including one from about 10 days before his death with the caption: “Out of here in 60 hours.”
At the time of his death, Sheik was working on the new musical Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, which is slated to begin preview performances September 25 at Off-Broadway’s new venue, The Night Egg at the Culture Club.
A revival of Spring Awakening, which won Sheik two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, is also slated to open Off-Broadway in the coming months. Sheik co-wrote the score for Spring Awakening with Steven Sater.
Before he became beloved for his theatrical contributions, Sheik released several albums, including his 1996 self-titled debut, which included his hit song “Barely Breathing.”
That song earned Sheik a Grammy nomination and hit No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for 55 weeks, which was, at the time, the fourth-longest run.
He went on to release seven additional solo studio albums, including his most recent, Claptrap, in 2022.
In addition to Spring Awakening — which starred Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff and John Gallagher, Jr. in its original Broadway run — Sheik composed the music for the musical adaptation of American Psycho, which ran in London in 2013 and 2016 before arriving on Broadway for a short-lived run in 2016.
Sheik was born in New Jersey in 1969 and raised in South Carolina. His sister, Kacie, is a Broadway performer. He is survived by his partner, Nora Ariffin, and their daughter Ines.
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