Duncan Sheik, Grammy and Tony-Winning Composer of ‘Spring Awakening,’ Dies at 56

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Sep 18, 2026 7:43am PT

Duncan Sheik, ‘Barely Breathing’ Hitmaker and ‘Spring Awakening’ Stage Composer, Dies at 56

By Chris Willman

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Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

ChrisWillman

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Duncan Sheik , who had a pop smash with “Barely Breathing” in the mid-1990s but then found his biggest success — and multiple Tony wins — with the long-running stage musical “ Spring Awakening ,” has died at 56.

The New York Times reported that his death was confirmed by his mother, and that he died of organ failure. Sheik had previously been reported to be in critical condition in a Manhattan hospital.

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_Originally reported by [Variety Music](https://variety.com/2026/music/obituaries-people-news/duncan-sheik-dead-spring-awakening-barely-breathing-1236866792/)._