We are heartbroken by the passing of MTI author Adam Schlesinger. An Emmy and Grammy-winning songwriter, Schlesinger co-wrote the score and lyrics for Cry-Baby, for which he received a Tony nomination for Best Original Score in 2008.

He had a knack for hilarity, as shown in his work, which includes the hit song "Stacy's Mom" (recorded by Fountains Of Wayne, nominated for two Grammys); the title song from the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do (Oscar nominated for Best Original Song); original songs for films like Ice Age 4: Continental Drift and Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore; the opening songs for the 2011 and 2012 Tony Awards, performed by Neil Patrick Harris (including the Emmy-winning "It's Not Just For Gays Anymore"); Jane Lynch's opening number for the 2011 Emmy Awards; and songs for Stephen Colbert's holiday special A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All (which won the Grammy for Best Comedy Album). He also wrote extensively for children's programs like "Sesame Street", "Fresh Beat Band", and "Big Time Rush". In 2019, Schlesinger won an Emmy for Outstanding Music & Lyrics for the tv show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" which he shared with collaborators Rachel Bloom and Jack Dolgen.

He was a master of satire, and his work will keep bringing smiles and laughter for decades to come. Thank you, Adam.