The Newshound

Duncan Sheik, composer of 'Spring Awakening' and singer of 'Barely Breathing', dies from organ failure at 56

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Duncan Sheik died at a Manhattan hospital from organ failure just days before the New York premiere of his new musical, 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen', leaving behind his wife and seven-year-old daughter.
Duncan Sheik died at a Manhattan hospital from organ failure just days before the New York premiere of his new musical, 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen', leaving behind his wife and seven-year-old daughter.

Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night from organ failure, confirmed by his mother Suzanne Sheik, just days before the New York premiere of his new musical 'Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen'. The Tony and Grammy-winning composer had been described as in a "critical but stable condition" hours before his death, and passed away "surrounded by love".

Sheik won the 2007 Tony for best original score and the 2008 Grammy for best musical show album, both for 'Spring Awakening', written alongside playwright Steven Sater.

His 1996 debut single 'Barely Breathing' earned him a Grammy nomination and made him a household name before his Broadway career took off.

A statement on his Instagram called him "a singular talent and deeply influential voice in music and theatre" whose legacy "will inspire generations to come."

MoreEvening StandardAward-winning Spring Awakening composer Duncan Sheik dies at 56Toronto Sun'Barely Breathing' singer Duncan Sheik dead at 56Fox NewsDuncan Sheik, ‘Barely Breathing’ singer, dead at 56ReutersDuncan Sheik, Tony-winning composer of 'Spring Awakening,' dies at 56
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →