George Newall, one of the co-creators of the iconic education musical kids series “Schoolhouse Rock,” has died at the age of 88, according to his family.
Newall’s death was confirmed to the New York Times by his wife Lisa Maxwell. She shared that he died of cardiopulmonary arrest on Nov. 30 while in a New York hospital.
The iconic show that Newall and his fellow co-creators first developed in 1973 spanned generations as it helped educate and entertain children across the country. Newall, who was the advertising executive and jazz pianist for the show, was the last living founder.
The series first ran for 11 years, coming to a close in 1984, before it was brought back in the 1990s. Episodes covered civics, math, science, and grammar while presenting learning in a musical form.
Jan. 3, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the show first airing on ABC, and to commemorate it, The Walt Disney Company is set to air a national primetime singalong.
With songs like “Three Is a Magic Number,” “I’m Just a Bill,” “Interjection!,” “Unpack Your Adjectives,” and “The Preamble,” the show has created a lasting memory for those who tuned in growing up, or those who had children tuning in while growing up.
Throughout its run, the show won four Emmy Awards, and resulted in numerous recordings and live singalong shows to educate Generation X.
Several books have also come from the show, including “The Official Schoolhouse Rock Guide,” an adult coloring book set to release soon.
A celebration of life for Newall is scheduled for Saturday at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson.
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