Shel Silverstein author page

Sheldon Allan Silverstein Biography

Early Life

Sheldon Allan Silverstein, born on September 25, 1930, into a Jewish family in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in the Logan Square neighborhood. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and briefly studied at the University of Illinois before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Cartoon Career

Silverstein’s artistic journey began at age seven, drawing inspiration from Al Capp’s works. His cartoons gained attention in publications like the Roosevelt Torch and Pacific Stars and Stripes during his military service. In the 1950s, he contributed to major magazines, including Playboy, where he developed his satirical adult alphabet book, Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book.

Music

Delving into the music scene, Silverstein associated with the outlaw country movement. He penned hits like Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue” and songs for Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. His musical versatility extended to instruments like guitar, piano, saxophone, and trombone.

Theater

In the theater, Silverstein wrote over 100 one-act plays. Works like The Devil and Billy Markham showcased his talent. Notably, he modernized Hamlet in 1990, starring Melvin Van Peebles.

TV and Film

Silverstein co-wrote the screenplay for Things Change with David Mamet and contributed to the TV movie Free to Be… You and Me. He wrote and narrated an animated short of The Giving Tree, further showcasing his multifaceted creativity.

Views on Writing

Silverstein’s editor, Ursula Nordstrom, encouraged him to write children’s poetry. Despite not planning for it, his children’s books, including The Giving Tree, gained immense success. Silverstein emphasized creating without conforming to others’ opinions.

Personal Life

Silverstein lived a private life, residing in various locations, including a houseboat in Sausalito. He never married but had a daughter, Shoshanna, with Susan Taylor Hastings. Tragically, Shoshanna passed away at 11, inspiring the dedication in A Light in the Attic. Silverstein later had a son, Matthew, with Sarah Spencer.

Death and Awards

On May 10, 1999, Silverstein died at home in Key West, Florida, at 68. His posthumous honors include a Grammy for “A Boy Named Sue” and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.

Works

Silverstein’s extensive works include classics like Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Giving Tree, and A Light in the Attic. His posthumous releases include Runny Babbit Returns and Every Thing on It.