Composer Duncan Sheik Dies at 56 From Organ Failure

Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter who composed the music for the Tony- and Grammy-winning musical "Spring Awakening," died Thursday at age 56. His mother, Suzanne Sheik, confirmed the cause was organ failure.

Sheik first gained fame with the 1996 radio hit "Barely Breathing," which spent 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. He later transitioned to theater, co-creating "Spring Awakening" with lyricist Steven Sater; the show ran for over 860 Broadway performances starting in 2006.

“The world has lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater.”

The musical, adapted from Frank Wedekind's 19th-century play, addressed teenage sexuality, abortion, and suicide. Sheik said he aimed to make theater reflect contemporary music styles rather than tradition alone.

Sheik also composed scores for musical adaptations of "American Psycho" and "Alice in Wonderland."

At the time of his death, he was preparing for the preview of a new musical, "Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen," scheduled to begin September 25 at The Night Egg venue. A revival of "Spring Awakening" is also planned for the coming months.

Tributes poured in from collaborators and stars, including Lea Michele, who originated the role of Wendla on Broadway and recalled meeting Sheik at age 14.