# Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-winning composer, dies at 56

> Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik dies at 56 after influential career spanning music and theater.
- Title: Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-winning composer, dies at 56
- Summary: Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik dies at 56 after influential career spanning music and theater. Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and…
- Keywords: duncan sheik, tony award, spring awakening, barely breathing, grammy, broadway, musical theater, composer, new york city, broadway museum, news, local
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/duncan-sheik-tony-award-winning-composer-dies-56/19846886
- Published: 2026-09-18T15:05:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: duncan sheik, tony award, spring awakening, barely breathing, grammy, broadway, musical theater, composer, new york city, broadway museum, news, local
## Duncan Sheik dies
Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-winning composer, died at 56 according to his Instagram.

> The world has lost a singular talent and deeply influential voice in music and theater.
## Family statement
Family shared he was receiving medical care and in critical but stable condition.
## Grammy nomination
His song 'Barely Breathing' earned a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.
## Spring Awakening
Sheik composed music for 'Spring Awakening', which won eight Tony Awards in 2007.
## New musical project
Sheik is working on an off-Broadway musical based on a manga graphic novel.

> He was a bit flummoxed about writing the score for a famous manga but excited to help put it in front of an audience.
## Key takeaway

Duncan Sheik, known for 'Barely Breathing' and 'Spring Awakening', died at 56.