American musical satirist Tom Lehrer dies at 97

Lehrer, a Harvard-trained mathematician, wrote darkly humorous songs, often with political connotations, that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

Modern comedians such as Weird Al Yankovich said they have been influenced by Lehrer's work.

His death was confirmed to the New York Times by David Herder, a friend.

classically trained pianist. But despite his musical success, he spent most of his life pursuing academia.

His teaching posts included spells at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California.