Condolences are pouring in from across the entertainment world in memory of Adam Schlesinger, the prolific songwriter who co-founded the GRAMMY-nominated band Fountains Of Wayne.
The 52-year-old passed away from complications related to coronavirus a day after reports that he was on a ventilator in an upstate New York hospital. Schlesinger was perhaps best known for his band’s hit single “Stacy’s Mom,” but he also earned an Emmy for his work on the show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and an Oscar nomination for co-writing the theme song from “That Thing You Do.” Tom Hanks starred in and produced the 1996 film about a small town band that makes it big.
“There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his ‘That Thing You Do!’” he wrote on Twitter. “He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx”
“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert worked with Schlesinger throughout his career and also paid tribute on social media.
“I’m so saddened to hear of the death of Adam Schlesinger due to Covid19,” he said. “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.”
“Jesse’s Girl” singer Rick Springfield learned first-hand how good of a songwriter Schlesinger was.
Aline Brosh McKenna, a friend of Schlesinger and a co-writer on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” seemed to sum him up best. She remembered him as funny, kind, opinionated, clever and passionate.
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