The world witnessed a monumental icon’s death on May 10th, 1999, when Shel Silverstein passed away after suffering a massive heart attack. He was a beloved, multi-talented figure in society, and fans, friends, and family alike are all affected by his death. After looking at his life and career, it’s a wonder how Silverstein didn’t succumb to this relentless illness sooner.
Silverstein had been a lifelong smoker who abused alcohol and chose not to exercise. He enjoyed his fair share of cigars while working as a cartoonist at Playboy, and was known to have a few casual beverages with company. To live life at this level of intensity puts extreme strain on the body and over the years Silverstein’s body had suffered from it.
The cause of Silverstein’s death is officially stated as a deadly, massive heart attack. According to medical professionals, a heart attack is typically caused by atherosclerosis – a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which restricts or completely blocks the blood flow. When the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen because of this blockage, it often leads to death.
Attesting to Silverstein’s fame and extraordinary life, a variety of newspapers and magazines published his death, noting that multiple music stars, movie stars and other celebrities expressed respect by engaging in public condolence.
At the time, celebrities’ own surreal shock caused a wave of sadness to ripple throughout the country. Even those who never heard of him personally felt a affective twinge after word spread that the beloved Shel Silverstein had passed.
Personal Life
Silverstein left behind a single son, Matthew, with whom he had a close relationship. Matthew wrote publically about the suddenness of his father’s death, conveying how his grief was pushed further into sadness knowing he was never able to truly say goodbye to him.
Of course, Silverstein was greatly missed by his immediate family, friends, and fans alike. He was an eccentric man, who was renowned for his unwavering success in two ‘worlds’ – music and literature.
He confronted life with an original style that left lasting images in minds of both young and old. Silverstein was a songwriter, most well-known for his composition, “A Boy Named Sue”, that was popularized by the one and only Johnny Cash.
Silverstein also wrote and illustrated a variety of immensely popular children’s books, most notably, The Giving Tree, and Where The Sidewalk Ends. Other notables include A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up.
Impact to Society
The impact of Silverstein’s work is still felt today. His music, lyrics and books have always held an everlasting presence in their respective mediums, as generations find answers and inspirations in the unique style and perspective from which he viewed life.
Silverstein’s songs often drew upon the commonalities that everyone experiences and expressed it in a way that had people of all ages nodding in agreement or singing along.
The anticipation that came with the release of each Silverstein book allowed for his legend to grow and for the stories to become much more than just a children’s novel.
These books, as well as many of Silverstein’s other works, have been around for many years and are speculated to be around for many more.
Legacy
It is evident that Silverstein made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the world. His musical scores, literature, cartoons and more all come together to form a catalog of work to be admired, studied and enjoyed for many years to come.
From the rest of his family, to the millions of fans, Shel Silverstein’s life and legacy will remain cherished, with hope that the influence extends further into the lives of those still living.
Public Response
The world mourned the loss of Silverstein in many ways. A discourse on the affects of spirituality and mortality filled the streets of nearly every metropolis as people everywhere confronted their own mortality.
Multiple newspapers and magazines published his death, noting that multiple music stars, movie stars and other celebrities expressed respect by engaging in public condolence. Not only that, the American Library Association posthumously awarded him the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to children’s literature.
The internet yielded a variety of public responses as well. His death was noted on a variety of websites and he was celebrated in many communities across the world. The Myspace community was overwhelmed with heartfelt condolences and it instantly became the world’s mourning chamber for the deceased legend.
International Recognition
The recognition of his work was not just limited to the United States either. It was felt throughout the world. An Italian version of The Giving Tree was published shortly after his death in a small ceremonial publication that celebrated his life altogether.
Groups of people in cities around the world honored him in various public ceremonies. People filled the streets in Canada, The U.K., Japan, Brazil and more, chanting his honor in the hundreds and it was displayed on the news in many countries.
As of today, libraries filled with his books, songs and other works of art still flood major cities around the world. Many famous faces have come out as profound fans of Shel Silverstein and his influence still prevails in public conversation.
Memorials
Given that Silverstein had passed away at such an early age for such an early death, it was decided that something should be done to honor him. His kin decided a small but auspicious memorial was appropriate, fitting for the extent of the man.
In lieu of flowers and traditional services, Silverstein’s family agreed that a donation of physical Silverstein literature and other relevant objects would benefit the public in a unique way. The family asked that donations be sent to the local library in Silverstein’s own town.
The family donated the entirety of Silverstein’s personal collection and asked the library staff to organize regional contests and other creative events that celebrated his life and share insight on his works.
Upon his death, a memorial portrait of Silverstein, similar to that of the Mona Lisa, appeared on the cover page of an Italian magazine. It was a subtle memorial in his honor and it remains to this day.
