“Barely Breathing” singer Duncan Sheik dies at 56
American musician Duncan Sheik, known for the 1996 hit “Barely Breathing” and later for composing the Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” has died at 56 of organ failure.
American singer, songwriter and composer Duncan Sheik has died at the age of 56. His mother, Susan Sheik, confirmed to The New York Times that he died on Thursday from organ failure.
A statement posted on the musician's social media accounts on Friday said the world had lost a unique talent and a hugely influential voice in music and theater. It described Sheik as a father, husband, son, brother and friend who would be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, intelligence and depth of spirit.
As early as Wednesday, Sheik's representatives had announced that he was under medical care in critical but stable condition, without providing further details about his health problems at the time. Over the summer of this year, Sheik had repeatedly posted photos from the hospital on social media, but never publicly disclosed his diagnosis or the nature of his illness.
Career highlights
Sheik became widely known for his 1996 song “Barely Breathing,” which spent 55 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 16. The song earned him a Grammy nomination in 1998 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Later, musical theater became a defining chapter of his career — he composed the music for the Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” with lyrics by Steven Sater. The production ran for 859 performances and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
