Shel Silverstein

Date of Birth: September 25, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 10, 1999

Biography

Shel Silverstein, born Sheldon Allan Silverstein, was an American poet, singer-songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children’s books. He was born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Silverstein is best known for his unique and whimsical poetry collections, such as “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “A Light in the Attic,” and “Falling Up.” His distinctive style, characterized by clever wordplay, humor, and poignant observations, has captivated readers of all ages. Silverstein’s career began as a cartoonist for various magazines, including “Playboy,” where he gained notoriety for his witty and often risqué illustrations. In addition to his work as a poet and cartoonist, he was also a successful songwriter, penning hits like “A Boy Named Sue” for Johnny Cash and “The Unicorn” for the Irish Rovers. Throughout his life, Shel Silverstein remained a prolific and versatile artist, leaving a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

5 Interesting Facts about Shel Silverstein

1. Shel Silverstein’s book “The Giving Tree,” published in 1964, is one of his most famous works and has been translated into over 30 languages.

2. He won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1970 for writing Johnny Cash’s hit “A Boy Named Sue.”

3. Silverstein was a lifelong bachelor, but he had two children, a daughter named Shoshanna and a son named Matthew.

4. Before focusing on children’s literature, Silverstein contributed cartoons to “Playboy” magazine for over a decade.

5. His works have sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling children’s authors of all time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Shel Silverstein

1. “If the track is tough and the hill is rough, THINKING you can just ain’t enough!”

2. “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

3. “You’d better get your laugh while you’re making your point, or you won’t be doing it very long.”

4. “Somebody has to go polish the stars, they’re looking a little bit dull.”

5. “There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle and a very happy start.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Shel Silverstein’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Shel Silverstein had two children: – Shoshanna Jordan Hastings (June 30, 1970 – April 24, 1982): She tragically passed away from a cerebral aneurysm at the age of 11. – Matthew De Ver: His son with Sarah Spencer, born in the 1980s.