Shel Silverstein, born Sheldon Allan Silverstein on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, was a multifaceted American artist known for his work as a cartoonist, children's author, poet, songwriter, and playwright. He passed away on May 10, 1999, in Key West, Florida. Silverstein's career began in the 1950s when he contributed cartoons to the military magazine Stars and Stripes during his service in Japan and Korea. He later gained prominence through his work for Playboy and his adult book of drawings, "Now Here's My Plan: A Book of Futilities" (1960).

Transitioning to children's literature, Silverstein wrote under the pen name Uncle Shelby. His notable works include "The Giving Tree" (1964), "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974), and "A Light in the Attic" (1981). His children's books, characterized by their light verse and quirky illustrations, have been translated into over 47 languages and sold more than 20 million copies. Silverstein was also a prolific songwriter, penning the hit "A Boy Named Sue" for Johnny Cash, which reached number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. His songs were recorded by various artists, including Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show and Marianne Faithfull.

Silverstein received two Grammy Awards and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. Despite his success, his estate is known for its reluctance to grant permissions for reproducing his work, posing challenges for biographers and scholars. Silverstein's legacy endures through his diverse body of work, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.