UPDATE 3/31 2:50pm: Adam’s lawyer tells Variety he’s on a ventilator. “He’s very sick and is heavily sedated, as are all people on ventilators, but no one has used the word ‘coma’ to me,” Josh Grier said. That contradicts the earlier post we reported. Kind of. Cagey lawyer talk.

Earlier

Fountains of Wayne front man Adam Schlesinger is an induced coma in New York, caused by corona virus. He’s 52.

Schlesinger’s most famous song, of course, is the great “Stacey’s Mom.” He is also Oscar nominated for writing the title track to Tom Hanks’s directorial debut, “That Thing You Do!” His quirky, melody rich songs are instant sing-a-longs with sly, memorable lyrics.

The news comes from a fan post on Twitter that says he’s been on a ventilator for two weeks.

Schlesinger’s other credits include writing songs for “Crazy ex-Girlfriend” on TV, and for “Sesame Street.” He also co-wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway show, “Cry Baby,” based on the John Waters-Johnny Depp movie. (The book was by the late great Tom Meehan, my neighbor and Mel Brooks’s writing partner for his Broadway musicals.)

I met Adam because he wrote and produced much of the Monkees’ great 2016 comeback album called “Good Times.” The album was a real hit, went to the top of the charts, and spawned a couple of hit singles. The whole thing was a phenomenon and it was because of Adam, who was born in 1967, the year the Monkees were at their peak. He is the nicest guy and a great talent. Everyone is praying for him. His family includes his wife, Katherine, and two daughters. He is also the first cousin of actor Jon Bernthal.

TUES AFTERNOON UPDATE: Schlesinger’s attorney Jaime Herman says in a statement: “Thank you for the outpouring of love for Adam and his family. Adam has been hospitalized with COVID-19. He’s on a ventilator and has been sedated to facilitate his recovery. He is receiving excellent care, his condition is improving and we are cautiously optimistic. His family appreciates all of the love and support.”

The amazing Joan Baez sent ailing John Prine a lovely gift. She made a video of her singing his classic, “Hello in There.” Prine’s wife, Fiona, says he’s in stable condition, and that she, Fiona, has recovered from the virus. Thank goodness.

Interesting that first Bob Dylan has a surprise hit with his 17 minute “Murder Most Foul,” then Joan turns up with this gesture. We keep coming back to these two. They are where we started.

Joan says: “John, this song that I’ve sung of yours has been one of the most requested songs in my repertoire for over 40 years. So let me sing it to you and send along my best wishes and prayers.” Baez originally covered the song on her magical 1975 album, “Diamonds and Rust.”

Upsetting news from the family of the great singer songwriter John Prine. He has coronavirus, is in the ICU and in critical condition. His fans around the world I know are sending him prayers.

Ironically, John has had a huge Renaissance in the last couple of years. The author of staples like “Hello in There” and “Angel from Montgomery” re-emerged to accolades with his album, “The Tree of Forgiveness.” It went to number 5 on the charts, and Prine was suddenly be feted all over the world.

Two times Prine has survived cancer. We’ve got to put our money on him now. At 73, he has a lot more to do.

An update on John pic.twitter.com/fPQbv0tLyB

— John Prine (@JohnPrineMusic) March 29, 2020

This stuff is getting serious. I never thought I’d be writing so man=y obits in a short period. We must take this virus seriously.

Now it’s claimed a great country superstar, Joe Diffie, who was 61 and a country radio staple in the 80s and 90s. His 18 country hits included “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Home,” “Pick Up Man,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Bigger Than the Beatles,” “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)” and “John Deere Green.”

There are outpourings of love for Joe all over social media. “Soul Man” Sam Moore tells me: “Joe Diffie and I became buddies all the way back when I recorded “Rainy Night in Georgia” with Conway Twitty. I had the great pleasure of singing with him at the Ryman and the Opry. I even did a cameo in one of his videos. His loss is shocking from this damn virus is shocking and shaken myself, my wife and my daughter Michelle, who had done a lot of TV production with him on his specials and videos.”

Alan Merrill, the veteran rocker who wrote Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll,” has died from the virus. He was 69 years old and died quickly. He’d been posting to social media days ago.

Merrill was long partnered musically with Rick Derringer and many other stars.

George Gilbert tells me Alan was Laura Nyro’s first cousin, and they were very close. “Alan was the second guitar player (under Bob Kulick) in Meat Loaf’s band when I started managing them in 1987–very sad– VERY NICE GUY.”

Alan’s mother, the great jazz singer Helen Merrill, is still very much alive at 89. Condolences to her and to his family.

Alan’s long time friend, Bebe Buell, wrote on Instagram:

I’m at a loss for words- it’s so shocking! I was just exchanging messages with him ten days ago and he did a gig in Harlem on March 12th. He posted on here just 6 days ago!!! I had no idea he was sick- this seems to have happened very very fast! Anyone with any details please send me a private message or leave a comment 🙏…
Alan was the genius who wrote “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” with the late Jake Hooker. Maybe you know his band The Arrows from back then. I first met Alan with my friends Liz Derringer #lizderringer and Rick @rickderringerofficial and we stayed friends over the decades.
My heart goes out to his family and loved ones… oh Alan, I’m going to miss the little video clips you posted playing fetch ball with your dog on your fabulous NYC terrace… how can this be?

Alan looked just like his mother: