Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne has died from COVID-19

Adam Schlesinger, best known as the co-founder of Fountains Of Wayne and for his work as a composer, has died from COVID-19. He was 52.

The musician and songwriter died while hospitalised in upstate New York, Schlesinger’s lawyer Josh Grier confirmed. He had been hospitalised since March, but it is still unclear where and when he contracted the virus.

Schlesinger served as bassist and co-songwriter in Fountains Of Wayne, whose power-pop hit Stacy’s Mom was nominated for a Grammy. He wrote and performed on all five of the band’s albums while also being a member of the indie-pop group Ivy. In 2009, Schlesinger won a Grammy for his work on Stephen Colbert’s Christmas album.

He was also a celebrated composer for film and television, receiving 10 Emmy nominations. His notable composer credits include his work on musical comedy series, My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and the titular track from That Thing You Do. For the latter, he received an Oscar nod for Best Original Song.

On social media, friends and peers of Schlesinger have shared numerous messages and tributes in his honour. Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional described Schlesinger as “a mentor, and a friend”, sharing in a two-part tweet: “I am grasping for the right words. My dear friend Adam Schlesinger has passed away from COVID-19.”

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

Australian musician Ben Lee also tweeted a note in remembrance of Schlesinger, sharing a candid photo of the two. “Thanks for everything you gave to your musical community,” he wrote.

Laughing backstage somewhere. Probably talking about songwriting. Thanks for everything you gave to your musical community. #adamschlesinger pic.twitter.com/PgqMPBS8y6

— Ben Lee (@benleemusic) April 2, 2020

Schlesinger is survived by his two daughters.

COVID-19 recently claimed the lives of country legend John Diffie and Alan Merrill, the latter of whom co-wrote the song, I Love Rock And Roll.

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