The award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, Adam Schlesinger, best known for his work with US rock band Fountains of Wayne, has died at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
According to a source, Adam died on Wednesday morning. A statement from his family on Tuesday said he was in hospital in New York fighting COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Chris Carrabba, the lead singer and guitarist of the band Dashboard Confessional has confirmed Schlesinger’s death. He tweeted: “I knew him best as a mentor and a friend. We must take this seriously. People are sick and dying. It is hard to stay locked indoors but lives will be saved. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”
Nicole Atkins, an American singer-songwriter also paid tribute and said: “I’m heartbroken to hear about Adam Schlesinger’s passing. He was one of the first people I 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.”
I’m heartbroken to hear about Adam Schlesinger’s 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.
— Nicole Atkins (@NicoleAtkins) April 1, 2020
Acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren said: “RIP Adam Schlesinger. Love and prayers to his family. Thank U for the songs.”
Adam Schlesinger was divorced and is survived by his two daughters. He was best known as the bass player and co-songwriter of Fountains of Wayne, the power-pop band whose hits included Stacy’s Mom and Hey Julie which was formed in New Jersey in 1995 and were named after a lawn ornament store in the state.
Schlesinger has earned nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, Tonys, Grammys and Emmys, winning the latter two.
Similarly, in 2019, he won the Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics for “Antidepressants Are So Not a Big Deal” from the TV musical drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.