Adam Shlesinger, one of the founding member of American band Fountains of Wayne has died from coronavirus complications. He was 52.
His lawyer of 25 years Josh Grier, confirmed the tragic news of his passing, saying that Adam died on Wednesday from complications brought on by coronavirus.
He said that his client had previously been reported as “very sick and heavily sedated” on Tuesday morning.
According to the lawyer, Adam had been in an upstate New York hospital for more than a week at that time.
The singer-songwriter is a 10-time Emmy nominee, with five for the hit film Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, for which he served as executive music producer.
The others were nods for his contributions to the Tony Awards, Sesame Street and a Stephen Colbert Christmas special.
He’s perhaps best known for his longtime role in the band Fountains of Wayne, where he was songwriter and bassist.
The band soared to fame as they landed a Top 40 hit and Grammy nomination in 2003 with their timeless hit single, Stacy’s Mom.
Adam also performed and wrote songs with college band Ivy.
The critically acclaimed songwriter was born 1967 and grew up in Manhattan before his family moved to New Jersey.
While studying at Williams College in Massachusetts, he met pal Chris Collingwood and the pair formed Fountains of Wayne named after a New Jersey lawn ornament store.
After signing a deal with Atlantic Records, in 1996 they released their self-titled debut that earned critical praise and spawned a minor alt-rock hit, “Radiation Vibe.”
While the band struggled with their next album Utopia Parkway, they hit the jackpot with their 2003 release Welcome Interstate Managers.
In a 2003 interview with MTV, Adam explained that the track was inspired by a very particular incident: “One of my best friends, when we were maybe 11 or 12, came to me and announced that he thought my grandmother was hot,” he recalled. “And I said, ‘Hey, you’re stepping over the line,’ but at that point in life, I wouldn’t put it past anyone.’”
The track which focused on a teenage boy who was infatuated with his friend’s mum, reached number 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and featured supermodel Rachel Hunter in the video.
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Leading the tributes to his death was his Crazy Ex-Girlfriend colleagues.
Screenwriter Alina Brosh McKenna wrote a lengthy statement about working with Adam before sharing a snippet of the demo track he had sent her for a scene.
“Adam was so funny, so kind, so opinionated, so clever, so passionate,” she said in the post.
“I love that guy. I love all the memories.
“I’m devastated for huis family, his kids, for Alexis, for Steven, for his CXG family, for the many, many who loved him.
Signing off, she said: “Miss you already, Adam.”
On Sunday, actress Rachel Bloom pleaded with fans to “keep Adam in their thoughts” as he continued to battle the virus.
“Please keep Adam in your thoughts and prayers. It’s been an extremely scary week,” she said.
Fans of the iconic musical talent flocked to his latest Instagram post to send their condolences to his family.
“Horrible news today. We’ll miss Adam Shlesinger deeply – his was a rare and prolific talent. RIP,” one fan wrote.
“Another said: “You are a songwriting legend. Rest In Peace, Adam.”
“I am speechless and heartbroken. A note to his family/loved ones: if you need ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING. Please reach out. We are here for you,” a third promised.
A fourth sent a farewell to the legend: “RIP Adam Shlesinger. You’ll meet Stacy’s mom in heaven.”
He is survived by his two daughters, Sadie and Claire.
