R.I.P. Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne)

0

We are sad to have to report the death of songwriter and Fountains Of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger.

Schlesinger died due to complications of the coronavirus, he was 52.

Adam’s most notable band was Fountains Of Wayne, who he formed in 1995 with his friend Chris Collingwood. Together they wrote a slew of songs that were catchy as all get out. The one most people are familiar with is Stacey’s Mom...featuring Rachel Hunter in the notable video clip.

But there was a lot more to Schlesinger’s career. For me, his highlight was the soundtrack to the 1996 film, That Thing That You Do! The movie starred Tom Hanks and told the story of an aspiring rock band in the 1960s. The song used prominently in the film, titled That Thing That You Do was written by Adam Schlesinger. It may seem unlikely that a film directed and starring Tom Hanks about a rock group in the 60s could be worth watching, but I must say I loved the film when it came out. It really seemed to capture the spirit of the times. And Adam’s song is very catchy.

All-in-all Adam Schlesinger went on to win 3 Emmys and was nominated for an Academy Award, a Tony, A Golden Globe and Grammy. A wonderful songwriter, we are sad to see him go.

Click here to listen to the final episode of Shake Some Action, a 5-part radio series I produced for RNZ about 10 years ago. It features the music of Fountains Of Wayne and a brief interview with Chris Collingwood.

Marty Duda

 

Marty Duda
Latest posts by Marty Duda (see all)