Shel Silverstein was a multi-talented artist who wrote and illustrated some of the most popular children’s books of all time, such as The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and A Light in the Attic. He was also a successful songwriter, playwright, and cartoonist, whose work appeared in magazines like Playboy and The New Yorker. But how did this creative genius die, and what was his legacy?
The Life and Career of Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a Jewish family and showed an early interest in drawing and writing. He attended the University of Illinois, but was expelled for poor grades. He then enrolled in the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, but soon dropped out to join the U.S. Army. He served in Japan and Korea during the Korean War, where he began drawing cartoons for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes.
After his discharge from the army, Silverstein pursued a career as a freelance cartoonist. He sold his cartoons to various publications, including Sports Illustrated, Look, and Playboy. He also wrote a satirical adult-oriented alphabet book called Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book, under the pen name Uncle Shelby.
Silverstein’s breakthrough as a children’s author came in 1963, when he published Uncle Shelby’s Story of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. The book was about a lion who learned to use a hunter’s gun and joined the circus. It was followed by The Giving Tree in 1964, a story about a boy who took everything from a generous tree until there was nothing left but a stump. The book became a classic and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Silverstein continued to write and illustrate children’s books throughout his life, such as Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), A Light in the Attic (1981), The Missing Piece (1976), and Falling Up (1996). His books were known for their whimsical humor, playful rhymes, and quirky illustrations. They also dealt with themes like friendship, imagination, self-esteem, and morality. His books have been translated into more than 47 languages and have sold more than 20 million copies.
Silverstein was also a prolific songwriter and musician. He wrote songs for many famous artists, such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Tompall Glaser, and The Irish Rovers. Some of his most famous songs include “A Boy Named Sue”, “The Cover of Rolling Stone”, “One’s on the Way”, and “The Unicorn”. He also recorded his own albums of songs and stories, such as Inside Folk Songs (1962), Freakin’ at the Freakers Ball (1972), and A Boy Named Sue and Other Country Songs (1978). He won two Grammy Awards for his songwriting and received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards.
Silverstein also wrote plays for adults, such as The Lady or the Tiger Show (1964), The Devil and Billy Markham (1979), and Wild Life (1988). His plays were often dark comedies that explored human nature, sexuality, and morality.
The Death and Legacy of Shel Silverstein
Silverstein died at his home in Key West, Florida, on May 10, 1999. He was 68 years old. The cause of death was a heart attack. He was buried at Westlawn Cemetery in Norridge, Illinois.
Silverstein left behind a rich legacy of creative work that continues to inspire and entertain generations of readers and listeners. His books are still widely read and loved by children and adults alike. His songs are still performed and recorded by various artists. His plays are still staged and appreciated by audiences.
Silverstein also left behind two children: Shoshanna Jordan Hastings (1970-1982) and Matthew Craig Silverstein (1984-). Shoshanna died at age 11 from a cerebral aneurysm. Silverstein dedicated his book A Light in the Attic to her memory. Matthew is an actor who has appeared in films such as Sin City (2005) and The Social Network (2010).
Silverstein was a private person who rarely gave interviews or made public appearances. He preferred to let his work speak for itself. He once said: “I would hope that people, no matter what age, would find something to identify with in my books, pick one up and experience a personal sense of discovery.” [according to Biography]
