Incredibly sad news this morning as the death of one of power-pop's finest songwriters has been announced.
Adam Schlesinger, who co-founded the band Fountains of Wayne, passed away yesterday from complications caused by Covid-19.
Fountains of Wayne were best known for their 2003 hit 'Stacy's Mom', but had a wealth of wonderful songs in their back catalogue - from 'Radiation Vibe' to 'Hey Julie' and 'Barbara H.'
As well as his work with that band, the New York-born songwriter was a member of the bands Ivy and Fountain High. He also wrote songs for various films and TV shows, most famously the title track of the 1996 film 'That Thing You Do!', which earned him an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination. He also wrote all the songs for recent sitcom 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.'
He is survived by his two daughters, Sadie and Claire.
Tributes to Schlesinger have been pouring in from both fans and contemporaries, some of which you can read below.
R.I.P.
There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do! He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 2, 2020
I remember the day all the Oneders, @LivTyler and @tomhanks sat in a room and played about 6 submitted tracks from different bands for That Thing You Do. When we heard Adam Schlesinger’s cassette it was instantly clear which track we would need to learn.
— Ethan Embry (@EmbryEthan) April 2, 2020
I am very sorry to hear the terrible news about Adam Schlesinger. I had the pleasure of working with Adam when he wrote the theme to Crank Yankers. He was a kind and super-talented man who will be missed. Sending love to his family, friends and fans.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 1, 2020
RIP Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), fine singer, witty and satiric songwriter. How terrible to lose him at 52 to this virus.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 2, 2020
We will miss you... Adam Schlesinger died of Covid 19 at age 52 today. He was writing the Music for The Nanny Musical. Devasted😥😭😩 My prayers are for you. May peace be with you... https://t.co/bQ4aMznKk4
— Fran Drescher (@frandrescher) April 1, 2020
Ugh. Heartbreaking to hear about Adam Schlesinger having passed. Such a brilliant songwriter.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 1, 2020
Every playlist I’ve ever made to cheer myself up had an Adam Schlesinger-penned song on it. Such an underrated musician, and by all accounts, a lovely person. Heartbroken for his family, friends, and fans right now.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWilson) April 2, 2020
For those of you who know my life as a songwriter- Adam Schlesinger’s career was always a big source of inspiration for me. He had a lyrical cheekiness that was only matched by his expert understanding of form, and was always able to fuse the two in a really fun, accessible way..
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) April 1, 2020
RIP Adam Schlesinger. Brilliant musical mind. Good guy. Sad day.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 2, 2020
I can’t stop thinking of Adam Schlesinger , so heres the best song from crazy ex girlfriend that he won an Emmy for https://t.co/0lMDnZP7mi
— msbolandbotwin 🌻 (@msboland_botwin) April 1, 2020
I am grasping for the right words. My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19. You know him best through his music. From his band @fountainsofwayn to the countless movies and tv shows he scored, most recently My Crazy Ex Girlfriend (cont’d) pic.twitter.com/to8H4IoLtj
— Dashboard Confessional (@dashboardmusic) April 1, 2020
Oh my god. Just reading that Adam Schlesinger passed away from Coronavirus complications. A brilliant musician and writer, we shared many award show moments together. He was so kind. Gone too soon. I’m reeling. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. https://t.co/zvGgzSjiJ9
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 2, 2020
I am so saddened by the news of the passing of songwriter Adam Schlesinger from COVID 19. Adam wrote the song THAT THING YOU DO. He had extraordinary musical talent. His loss is deeply felt.
— Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) April 2, 2020
I’m so saddened to hear of the death of Adam Schlesinger due to Covid19. From the Dana Carvey show to A Colbert Christmas Special, he was a great (and patient) and talented artist with whom it was my good luck to work. Peace.
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 2, 2020
adam schlesinger took pop music writing to its classiest and most untouchable place. an honor to live at the same time he made his work.
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) April 1, 2020
Too upset to do much right now other than share this. Adam, Chris & I and I became friends in Radio Bar, early 90's. I love that first FOW album. Making The Negatives I asked if he could produce. No time, but we did a little. This. RIP Adam Schlesinger. https://t.co/6R1UNsMvwj
— Lloyd Cole (@Lloyd_Cole) April 1, 2020
Terribly sad to hear news of Adam Schlesinger's passing
I loved Fountains OF Wayne. Sang on one of their albums and opened up for them once in LA. As a fan of smart, melodic music Adam and Chris we're always so great.
Taken much too soon RS— Ron Sexsmith 💙 (@RonSexsmith) April 1, 2020
RIP: Adam Schlesinger, probably the greatest pop songwriter of his generation. Created at least three seminal records with Fountains of Wayne. Welcome Interstate Managers is the masterpiece.
All Kinds Of Time https://t.co/eDGDmANqHL via @YouTube— Bret Easton Ellis (@BretEastonEllis) April 1, 2020
Y'all see these tweets I'm RTing around about Adam Schlesinger? You note how everyone's picking different songs and projects and bands and soundtracks that hit them hard? That's how you know he was great. That's how you know he did the work.
— Ned Raggett (@NedRaggett) April 1, 2020
