There's always room for Jell-O!
March 13, 2000 6:59 AM Subscribe
There's always room for Jell-O! Most people don't know that Tom Lehrer is the co-inventor of the vodka Jell-O shot
Now, that would be a great campaign slogan for this Jello.
posted by veruca at 7:08 AM on March 13, 2000
posted by veruca at 7:08 AM on March 13, 2000
After reading the interview with Tom Lehrer, it occurred to me that some people might not be aware of why it was that he stopped performing.
One of his very best songs was a vicious and hilarious song about Werner Von Braun who at the time was NASA's chief rocket designer, referring to his work during WWII on the V2 (which was fired at London many times and resulted in many deaths and much destruction). Von Braun sued for libel and won, and the judgement was that Von Braun would get (all? most?) of Lehrer's income from performing thereafter. Lehrer therefore decided not to perform, thus denying Von Braun that money.
By the way, he *did* do one more public performance after that, but I think he did it for free: he did a song for Sesame Street about the letter "E" entitled "Silent E".
Once Von Braun died, I think Lehrer would have been able to perform again, because I don't think that the judgement goes on after Von Braun's death. I don't know if he did so, though.
posted by Steven Den Beste at 7:35 AM on March 13, 2000
One of his very best songs was a vicious and hilarious song about Werner Von Braun who at the time was NASA's chief rocket designer, referring to his work during WWII on the V2 (which was fired at London many times and resulted in many deaths and much destruction). Von Braun sued for libel and won, and the judgement was that Von Braun would get (all? most?) of Lehrer's income from performing thereafter. Lehrer therefore decided not to perform, thus denying Von Braun that money.
By the way, he *did* do one more public performance after that, but I think he did it for free: he did a song for Sesame Street about the letter "E" entitled "Silent E".
Once Von Braun died, I think Lehrer would have been able to perform again, because I don't think that the judgement goes on after Von Braun's death. I don't know if he did so, though.
posted by Steven Den Beste at 7:35 AM on March 13, 2000
Regarding the alleged Von Braun suit. I've heard no corroborating evidence that this is true. I recall reading an interview with Lehrer in which he flatly denied it (although, Lehrer like Terry Gilliam is notorious for intentionally lying to the press). Lehrer isn't particularly proud of his work nor does he hold himself in high esteem. It is more likely that he is continuing to do what he loves: studying and teaching mathematics.
posted by plinth at 8:15 AM on March 13, 2000
posted by plinth at 8:15 AM on March 13, 2000
Plinth: Don't you have some pictures of that time that we did that thing? Not the one time (because it didn't come out so well) but the other time? The time with the stuff in it?
posted by CrazyUncleJoe at 9:48 AM on March 13, 2000
posted by CrazyUncleJoe at 9:48 AM on March 13, 2000
Trying to find another web site when I bumped into this. TOM LEHRER!!!!Wow haven't heard about him in along time. I went to an all girls catholic HS and we did Vatican Rag for a talent show.
I have since lost my albums. Dose any one know where I can get his music. ??????I would love to hear the one with him on the front as the devil with fire around him.
contact me at my user name MCKW7@aol.com
Thanks
posted by MCKW7 at 11:44 PM on April 12, 2000
I have since lost my albums. Dose any one know where I can get his music. ??????I would love to hear the one with him on the front as the devil with fire around him.
contact me at my user name MCKW7@aol.com
Thanks
posted by MCKW7 at 11:44 PM on April 12, 2000
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posted by plinth at 7:06 AM on March 13, 2000