Tom Hanks, Rachel Bloom, Trixie Mattel Pay Tribute to Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger
He died of COVID-19 at 52
Amongst those to share their memories and messages of condolence are Tom Hanks, Schlesinger's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend star and collaborator Rachel Bloom, RuPaul's Drag Race alumnus Trixie Mattel, Fran Drescher and Stephen King — proving his wide-reaching impact on the entertainment world.
In addition to his work with bands Fountains of Wayne and Ivy, Schlesinger also served as the executive music producer on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and penned the theme song for the show.
He was also nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for his original title track to Hanks's 1996 film That Thing You Do.
Additionally, Schlesinger wrote eight songs for Stephen Colbert's A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! and collaborated with Sarah Silverman on a stage adaptation of her book Bedwetter.
As previously reported, Schlesinger died from complications due to COVID-19. He was 52.
Read some of the social media tributes to the late musician below.
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
I have so much to say about Adam Schlesinger that I am at a complete loss for words. He is irreplaceable.
— Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) April 2, 2020
Adam Schlesinger! You made me want to write music. I can't believe. :(
— Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) April 2, 2020
part of why i messaged (and freaked out when i realized he knew i existed) is because my and i obsessed over fountains of wayne + adam soundtracks together. i'd lost my dad a couple years before, so the exchange was very meaningful to me https://t.co/A5PscqqZCm
— speedy ortiz haunted presence? (@sad13) April 2, 2020
Growing up near the weird lawn ornament store that the band was named after always made them feel extra special to me.
— Screaming Females (@Screamales) April 2, 2020
Adam Schlesinger, the co-founder of pop-rock band Fountains of Wayne and a Golden Globe-nominated songwriter, has died from complications related to coronavirus. He was 52. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/SQnl6BL0gK
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) April 2, 2020
I'm 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
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
much to be said about Adam Schlesinger's songwriting but I think often about how That Thing You Do is not just one of the great (or, the greatest) Fictional Song From A Movie, but also one of the most fun pop songs of its real-life era. It lived so well both on screen & off it.
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) April 1, 2020
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.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) April 1, 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
I remember the day all the Oneders, @LivTyler and @tomhanks sat in a room and played about 6 submitted tracks from different bands for That Thing You Do. When we heard Adam Schlesinger's cassette it was instantly clear which track we would need to learn.
— Ethan Embry (@EmbryEthan) April 2, 2020
RIP Adam Schlesinger. Brilliant musical mind. Good guy. Sad day.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 2, 2020
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
This one hurts. Our friend and producer of Even If It Kills Me, the tremendously talented Adam Schlesinger, passed away today due to complications from Coronavirus. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
— MotionCitySoundtrack (@MotionCityMusic) April 2, 2020
❤️ pic.twitter.com/UqFyLXUFkZ
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
Raising my head above water to say that I'm grieving Adam Schlesinger. I know so many people who knew him much better than I did, and I'm grieving for them as well. Love to you all in trying times.
— Ted Leo (@tedleo) April 1, 2020
Ugh. Heartbreaking to hear about Adam Schlesinger having passed. Such a brilliant songwriter.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 1, 2020
Terribly sad to hear news of Adam Schlesinger's passing
— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) April 1, 2020
I loved Fountains OF Wayne. Sang on one of their albums and opened up for them once in LA. As a fan of smart, melodic music Adam and Chris we're always so great.
Taken much too soon RS
For those of you who know my life as a songwriter- Adam Schlesinger's career was always a big source of inspiration for me. He had a lyrical cheekiness that was only matched by his expert understanding of form, and was always able to fuse the two in a really fun, accessible way..
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) 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
I was a huge Fountains of Wayne fan, and I just found out about the passing of Adam Schlesinger. Heartbreaking.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 1, 2020
RIP Adam Schlesinger.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) April 1, 2020
Adam Schlesinger was one talented man and the world will be a less tuneful place without him. I wrote a few songs with him when I was living in New York and he had a brilliant gift for melody. ♥️Love and healing to his family #AdamSchlesinger pic.twitter.com/EPBaIj6J4r
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) April 1, 2020
Fuck. The world is suddenly a much shittier place without Adam Schlesinger in it. RIP pal. October 31, 1967-April 1, 2020
— Counting Crows (@CountingCrows) April 2, 2020
"What else is new?
What can I do?
But sing this valley winter song
I wrote for you" - Fountains of Wayne 2003
So sad to lose Adam Schlesinger. I knew him for over 20 years. Worked on some songs together, toured the US supporting Fountains, and always found him to be an explemplary craftsman, artist and mensch. Love you buddy.
— Ben Lee (@benleemusic) April 1, 2020
the band ivy, one of adam schlesinger's many beautiful projects, provided pivotal inspiration to us at the moment we were becoming a band. adam schlesinger loved pop music and he was beautifully good at it. please listen to his work. and please let's beat this virus.
— Stars (@youarestars) April 1, 2020
RIP the wonderful Adam Schlesinger.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) April 1, 2020
This is terribly sad. I've been a fan since the first album. Such a talented man. So many great songs. #fountainsofwayne https://t.co/YqgUj7O9V4
— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) April 1, 2020