Singer-songwriter and Broadway composer Duncan Sheik, best known for his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing” and his Tony-winning work on “Spring Awakening,” has died at 56.
Sheik died Thursday in Manhattan from organ failure, according to his mother, who confirmed his death to The New York Times. Page Six reported that the musician suffered cardiac arrest.
His family announced his death Friday in an Instagram statement, saying he died “surrounded by love.”
“The world has lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater,” the family said, remembering Sheik as 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,” the statement continued.
His death came one day after his family disclosed that he had been hospitalized and was in “critical but stable condition.”
At the time, relatives said Sheik was receiving medical care but declined to provide specific details about his condition. They thanked fans and members of the entertainment community for their support as news of his hospitalization spread.
Sheik rose to prominence in the 1990s following the release of his self-titled debut album.
Its breakout single, “Barely Breathing,” became the biggest pop hit of his recording career. The song spent 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Sheik a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.
While the single established him as a major recording artist, Sheik later became equally known for his work in musical theater.
He composed the music for “Spring Awakening,” the Broadway musical based on Frank Wedekind’s play. The production opened on Broadway in 2006 and became one of the most acclaimed musicals of its era.
“Spring Awakening” won eight Tony Awards, including best musical.
Sheik won the Tony Award for best orchestrations and shared the award for best original score with lyricist Steven Sater. He also received a Grammy Award for the musical’s cast recording.
The success helped establish Sheik as a prominent Broadway composer and expanded his career far beyond the pop music that first brought him national attention, per Trending Politics.
His subsequent theater projects included “American Psycho,” “Alice by Heart” and “The Secret Life of Bees.”
Throughout his career, Sheik moved between pop, acoustic music and theater composition, building a body of work that stretched across several decades.
His family said the response following his hospitalization and death reflected the reach of his work.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community,” the family said. “His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
