Popular ’90s rock musician dead at 56: ‘The world has lost a singular talent’

Alabama Life & CultureDuncan Sheik, left, and Steven Sater accept an award at the 61st Annual Tony Awards in New York, Sunday, June 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)ASSOCIATED PRESSBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comDuncan Sheik, the beloved singer, songwriter, composer and actor known for his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing,” has died just days after being hospitalized in critical condition. He was 56.His family shared the news on Instagram.“The world has lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater,” the post read. “From his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Barely Breathing’ to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. “Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the post continued. “He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, intelligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community. His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love.”The family first revealed in a post on singer’s Instagram page on Wednesday evening that he was in critical condition.“We would like to share an update with Duncan’s fans and the public,” the post read. “Duncan is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition. Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing any further medical details at this time. “We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and will provide updates when appropriate,” the statement continued. “Thank you for the continued love and support.”While the reason for his hospitalization has not been reported, Sheik was active on his Instagram account until last week. He posted from a hospital several times over the past three weeks. “I would prefer to be home making music,” he wrote on Instagram on Aug. 20. “But a bit of reflection is not too bad … boring hospital stays have their benefits (outside the obvious).”Sheik rose to fame thanks to “Barely Breathing” which reached No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart. That song was on his self-titled debut album in 1996, and he went on to release eight more studio albums.The last of those, “Claptrap,” came in 2022. While remaining active as an artist, Sheik also became a star in the world of theater by co-writing the Broadway hit “Spring Awakening.” That effort helped him win the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2008.Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...