Philip Balsam was a Canadian songwriter, composer, and author who passed away at 79. Let’s see more details about Philip Balsam and his cause of death in detail.
How did Philip Balsam die?
“Fraggle Rock” song composer Philip Balsam has died. He was 79. Steeles Memorial Chapel’s official website shared an article announcing the death of Balsam. The Canadian songwriter and composer famously expanded his music career outside the industry, creating pieces for several TV series and theatre plays.
But among the flicks he worked on, Balsam notably made 190 songs for the series, “Fraggle Rock.”
The memorial chapel delivered its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the “sweet and brilliantly talented” musician. It disclosed that Balsam passed away at his Toronto, Ontario home Friday while surrounded by his wife of 43 years and a few close friends.
Cause of death
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the loss of our sweet and brilliantly talented Philip passed away at the age of 79. He died in his Ontario home surrounded by his friends and family. The exact cause of death remains unknown, However, it is noted that he passed away two years after he was diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis. The Steeles Memorial Chapel also revealed that his health quickly deteriorated in the last two weeks leading to his death.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, GCA may occur together with polymyalgia rheumatic, a condition that refers to pain and stiffness in different body parts, including the shoulder, hip, and neck. Older adults usually get diagnosed with it, and they suffer swelling and thickening of the arteries located on the head.
Fans and colleagues immediately paid tribute to the musician, sharing photos of him alongside heartfelt statements online.
Philip Balsam’s Legacy
Balsam was a Canadian songwriter, composer, and author. He and his family survived the Second World War in Europe and transferred to Canada where he lived the rest of his life. He grew up as a flourishing music artist, becoming one of the world’s renowned songwriters. When he started his professional career, Balsam began writing music and songs for adult and children’s TV programs, including “Dog City” and “Groundling Marsh.”
His big break came when he was tapped to work in Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock.” The record albums he made for the series led him to earn a nomination at the 27th Annual GRAMMY Awards for Best Recording For Children. Among Balsam’s other feats include the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Musical for his work in Mordecai Richler’s “Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang.”
Fraggle Rock was aired around the world, and in 1989 was the first North American television show to be broadcast in the Soviet Union. Balsam performed the voice of the character Phil Fraggle on the show. Balsam and Lee also wrote the songs for the Jim Henson television special “The Tale of the Bunny Picnic” and the film Dog City. They wrote songs for the musical theatre version of Mordecai Richler’s Jacob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang, and Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur.
Donations and Funeral Arrangements
“RIP Fraggle Rock Composer Philip Balsam,” another wrote. “One of the greatest Muppet music composers of all time.” Those who want to offer donations may support the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center of Holocaust Studies instead.
The memorial chapel has been holding an in-person service, with the funeral scheduled on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. local time in Ontario. It also provided a link where fans could watch the service.
Tributes Poured on Social Media
Touch Pigs tweeted, “We’re saddened to learn that Philip Balsam – co-writer of Fraggle Rock songs including the theme song, “Follow Me”, “Let Me Be Your Song”, and dozens more – has passed away. Thanks for all the brilliant music, Phil.”
Tim Wynne Posted
A friend from one of the happiest times in my life has passed away. I had the great good fortune to collaborate with Phil Balsam on a batch of songs for the TV show Fraggle Rock, subbing for Dennis Lee, for a few shows. It was a heady fun-filled time. Phil was a neighbor, sometimes bandmate, and will always be a “Friend Till the End.”
Kristen Anne posted
Sending heartfelt condolences sympathy & support to the Balsam family & friends. Fraggle Rock was an amazing & unforgettable part of my childhood. He was a gift to too many. May he rest in peace. Respect from Nova Scotia Canada.
Katie Frances Posted
I still cry when I hear certain Fraggle rock songs. I even sang the words to one at my mother’s funeral. “Goodbye, goodbye, & every eye is dry. Leaving there’s no grieving just a rainbow in the sky—- goodbye, goodbye “
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