Tom Lehrer, a song satirist who gained a popular following in the 1950s and ’60s lampooning marriage, politics, racism and the Cold War, has died at 97.

Like so many comedians, Lehrer got his start by going to Harvard. He wrote and recorded his first song, “Fight Fiercely Harvard,” at the age of 17. Lehrer entered the mainstream in the 60’s, contributing to That Was the Week That Was, a topical comedy show on NBC. He also contributed songs to The Electric Company.