Duncan Sheik, ‘Barely Breathing’ Singer and ‘Spring Awakening’ Composer, Dies at 56
Sheik, known for his 1990s hit song and his Tony Award-winning musical, died Thursday from organ failure.
Duncan Sheik, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter behind the 1990s hit "Barely Breathing" and the Tony Award-winning musical "Spring Awakening," has died at the age of 56. His mother, Suzanne Sheik, confirmed his death to The New York Times, stating that he died Thursday from organ failure.
While "Barely Breathing" brought Sheik widespread recognition in the 1990s, his career later found significant success on Broadway. He was a key creative force behind "Spring Awakening," a musical that garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Tonys and Grammys. Sheik described the collaborative process for "Spring Awakening" in a 2007 interview with The Associated Press, noting the desire to "shake things up a bit" with a cast and crew he characterized as "Broadway outsiders."