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Adam Schlesinger, a founding member of Fountains Of Wayne, has passed away at the age of 52 from complications related to COVID-19.
Schlesinger’s lawyer Josh Grier confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone following his hospitalisation earlier this week after he tested positive for coronavirus.
A native of New York City, Schlesinger had a lengthy career as a producer, engineer and film songwriter, as well as being a member of several successful bands.
Aside from his work with Fountains Of Wayne, who are best known for their 2003 mega-hit ‘Stacy’s Mom’ and were nominated for two Grammy awards, Schlesinger was noted for his work in the film and TV industry. He won three Emmy awards and one Grammy during his career.
Schlesinger also earned an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for his work on 1997’s That Thing You Do!, which was written, starring and directed by Tom Hanks. Schlesinger worked on the soundtrack for the film and was the artist behind the soundtrack’s lead single and title track, which charted all around the world.
Hanks paid tribute to Schlesinger on Twitter overnight, writing “he was One-der”.
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
A mass of tributes to Schlesinger have been posted online following the sad news of his death, with the likes of Dashboard Confessional, Stephen Colbert and Stephen King all remembering Schlesinger.
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 (contâd) pic.twitter.com/to8H4IoLtj
— Dashboard Confessional (@dashboardmusic) April 1, 2020
Iâm heartbroken to hear about Adam Schlesingerâs passing. He was one of the 1st people I ever co-wrote a song with and we went on the road with Fountains of Wayne back in the day. He was really sweet and beyond talented. My heart goes out to his family and band mates.
— NATKINS (@NicoleAtkins) April 1, 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
Shit so sorry to hear this. Fuck U Covid, RIP Adam Schlesinger. Love and prayers to his family. Thank U for the songs.
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) April 1, 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
a few years ago i noticed adam schlesinger followed me, i did the uncool move of DMing to say i'd been a fan since i was a kid – from that thing you do, josie soundtrack, fountains of wayne, more. he messaged back, couldn't have been more encouraging + kind. RIP to a songs hero
— speedy ortiz haunted presence? (@sad13) April 1, 2020
Oh god. Adam Schlesinger was wildly talented. He graciously wrote the theme song to my âKATHYâ talk show called âIâll say itâ He was so patient with me as I was recording it in the booth, guiding me at every step. He did the gig as a favor, in a little home studio on a Saturday
https://t.co/SpTdcoBIco
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) April 1, 2020
Ugh. Heartbreaking to hear about Adam Schlesinger having passed. Such a brilliant songwriter.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 1, 2020
Iâm 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
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
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
The post Fountains Of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger has died from COVID-19 appeared first on NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM.
