Adam Schlesinger death: Jimmy Kimmel, Kathy Griffin and Ken Jennings pay tribute, recall his talent and wit
Adam Schlesinger, best known as the bassist and founding member of the popular pop-rock bands Fountains of Wayne and Ivy passed away in a New York hospital on yesterday, on April 1 due to coronavirus complications. The 52-year-old had been experiencing respiratory issues in the two weeks leading up to his death, and had to be placed on ventilator support before he succumbed to his illness.
Fountains of Wayne achieved success at the turn of the millenium thanks to their catchy power pop songs which tapped into the angst of a 90s-kid generation and served it up with healthy dollops of humor and cheekiness. Influenced by classic bands such as The Kinks and The Cars, Fountains of Wayne's infectious songs struck a chord with a generation of MTV and VH1 viewers, and in 2003 had what was probably their most commercially successful hit, 'Stacy's Mom', a subversive tongue-in-cheek look at a young boy who was in love with the attractive mother of a girl called Stacy.
The song was nominated for a Grammy and eventually hit No 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Besides releasing five albums with Fountains of Wayne, Schlesinger was a music composer who made immense contributions to the world of film, television, and theater separately. He wrote the titular song for 'That Thing You Do', a 1960s music-themed film that followed the rise and fall of a fictional band called The Wonders. It starred and was directed by Tom Hanks in 1996, and earned Schlesinger an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination. He also contributed music to the film 'Shallow Hal' with his band Ivy, and his music was featured on the OSTs of numerous films, including 'Ice Age: Continental Drift', 'Music and Lyrics', 'There's Something About Mary', 'Me, Myself & Irene' and 'Josie and the Pussycats'. Tom Hanks in his tribute said, "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."
Adam Schlesinger was an EGOT nominee (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony awards), eventually winning a Grammy in 2010 with frequent collaborator David Javerbaum for their work on 'A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!', and he also picked up three Emmy Awards in the Oustanding Music and Lyrics category for his song contributions to the 65th & 66th Tony Awards, as well as the CW comedy 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'.
Besides this, he'd worked with Javerbaum on the music for the 2008 Broadway musical adaptation of the John Waters cult classic 'Cry-Baby', and had recently contributed music and lyrics to the theater adaptation of the comedian Sarah Silverman's memoir 'The Bedwetter' - the show had been scheduled for off-Broadway screenings at the Atlantic Theater Company before they were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues alike for the much-loved Schlesinger, who had been an immense contributor to the world of arts and entertainment.
The TV host Jimmy Kimmel said, "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."
The producer Jack Antonoff wrote, "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."
TV game show star Ken Jennings tweeted, "Adam Schlesinger’s 'That Thing You Do' is an amazing song, but don’t sleep on the fake Wham! number he wrote for the opening of 'Music and Lyrics'."
Aline Brosh McKenna, whom Adam worked with on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' posted a heartfelt post where she said, "Adam was so funny, so kind, so opinionated, so clever, so passionate... Miss you already, Adam."
The heartbroken comedian Kathy Griffin also tweeted, "Oh god. Adam Schlesinger was wildly talented. He graciously wrote the theme song to my 'Kathy' talk show called 'I’ll say it'. He was so patient with me as I was recording it in the booth, guiding me at every step."
The 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' actress Rachel Bloom also stated "I have so much to say about Adam Schlesinger that I am at a complete loss for words. He is irreplaceable."
Adam Schlesinger truly was an immensely talented man, who was beloved for his contributions to the arts community and will be sorely missed, R.I.P, Adam!