'Schoolhouse Rock's Jack Sheldon Passes Away at 88

Natalie Hunter
A picture from animated series "Schoolhouse Rock" depicts bill of rights character and a child sitting on a man's shoulders
A picture from animated series "Schoolhouse Rock" depicts bill of rights character and a child sitting on a man's shoulders

Jazz musician Jack Sheldon passed away on Friday December 27th. USA Today reported that his death was due to natural causes. Alongside him was partner and manager Dianne Jimenez who made a statement regarding his death on Tuesday.

The musician was best known for his work on 'Schoolhouse Rock.' He was the voice behind "I'm Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction." He was also an important part of the 1950's jazz movement and won both an Oscar and Grammy for his trumpet solo in "The Shadow of Your Smile."

He also acted on television in shows like 'Run Buddy Run,' 'The Girl With Something Extra,' 'The Simpsons,' 'Family Guy' and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.'

Sheldon also worked closely with Merv Griffin. Griffin spoke very highly of Sheldon's trumpet skills. "It's a haunting trumpet he plays," Griffin told the Los Angeles Times in 2002. "Henry Mancini once told me, 'If I've got a couple making passionate love on screen and I'm writing the score, it's Jack Sheldon's trumpet I want.'"

Griffin and Sheldon worked together on the 'Merv Griffin Show.' Griffin has passed away since giving the quote in 2007.

Fans took to twitter to mourn the late jazz artist.

"This is my childhood and I kid you not I can always remember every single schoolhouse rock song they really helped me to learn as a child. His voice is iconic very unique I will always know that voice. R.I.P Jack Sheldon #SchoolhouseRock," one fan tweeted mournfully along with a gif saying "I'm not gonna cry."

"I just found out that Jack Sheldon passed away today at the age of 88. Known for his distinctive jazz songs, he was probably best known for his work on Schoolhouse Rock where he sang two of the most iconic songs, I'm Just A Bill and Conjunction Junction," another fan tweeted.

"2019's unfortunately going down swinging, as Jack Sheldon, singer of Schoolhouse Rock! shorts like "I'm just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction", has passed away," one fan wrote referencing the jazz term.

"His shorts were so prominent, that he was invited to reprise his role in the Simpsons parody 'Amendment to Be.'" the fan continued.

"This morning, it was reported that jazz singer Jack Sheldon passed away on Dec 27th. Jack was best known for singing in several episodes of Schoolhouse Rock. I also recognized him from the Louie The Lightning Bug PSAs. His voice always struck as unique to me," another fan added.

Sheldon will always be remembered for his soulful voice and trumpet proficiency.