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{{other people|Michael Fitzpatrick|Michael Fitzpatrick (disambiguation)}}{{Infobox musical artist
{{other people|Michael Fitzpatrick|Michael Fitzpatrick (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Michael Fitzpatrick
| name = Michael Fitzpatrick
| image = Michael Fitzpatrick 2014.jpg
| image = Michael Fitzpatrick 2014.jpg
| caption = Fitzpatrick in 2014
| caption = Fitzpatrick performing at [[Fillmore Detroit|The Filmore Detroit]] in 2014
| landscape =
| landscape = yes
| birth_name = Michael Sean Fitzpatrick
| birth_name = Michael Sean Fitzpatrick
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|07|21|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|07|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Montluçon]], France
| birth_place = [[Montluçon, France]]
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| alias = Fitz
| alias = Fitz
| instrument = Vocals, piano, keyboard
| instrument = Vocals, piano, keyboards
| genre = [[Indie pop]], [[neo-soul]]
| genre = [[Indie pop]], [[neo soul]]
| occupation = Musician, singer-songwriter
| occupation = Musician, singer, songwriter
| years_active = 2008–present
| years_active = 2007–present
| label = [[Dangerbird Records|Dangerbird]]
| label = [[Dangerbird Records|Dangerbird]]
| Associated_acts = [[Fitz and the Tantrums]], [[Band of Merrymakers]]
| associated_acts = [[Fitz and the Tantrums]], [[Band of Merrymakers]]
| website =
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Kaylee DeFer]]|2015}}
| website =
}}
}}
'''Michael Sean''' "'''Fitz'''" '''Fitzpatrick''' (born 21 July 1970) is an American musician and singer-songwriter, who is the lead vocalist of the [[indie pop]]/[[neo-soul]] band [[Fitz and the Tantrums]].
'''Michael Sean''' "'''Fitz'''" '''Fitzpatrick''' (born 21 July 1970), known professionally as '''FITZ''', is a French-American musician, singer and songwriter, who is the lead vocalist of the [[indie pop]]/[[neo-soul]] band [[Fitz and the Tantrums]].


Fitz and the Tantrums were heralded as a "band to watch" in an April 2011 profile in ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref name="rollingstonearticle">{{cite news| title = Band to Watch: Fitz and the Tantrums Put a Modern Spin on Motown |work = Rolling Stone | date = 12 Apr 2011| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/band-to-watch-fitz-and-the-tantrums-put-a-modern-spin-on-motown-20110412| accessdate = 22 Jun 2011 }}</ref> Their 2010 debut full-length album ''[[Pickin' Up the Pieces (Fitz and the Tantrums album)|Pickin' Up the Pieces]]'' received critical acclaim and reached #1 on the [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] Heatseekers chart.<ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=fitz & the tantrums|chart=all}} Fitz & the Tantrums] at [[Billboard.com]]</ref>
Fitz and the Tantrums were picked as a "band to watch" in an April 2011 profile in ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref name="rollingstonearticle">{{cite magazine |last=Greenwald |first=Andy |date=12 Apr 2011 |title=Band to Watch: Fitz and the Tantrums Put a Modern Spin on Motown |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/band-to-watch-fitz-and-the-tantrums-put-a-modern-spin-on-motown-189240/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |accessdate=22 Jun 2011}}</ref> Their 2010 debut full-length album ''[[Pickin' Up the Pieces (Fitz and the Tantrums album)|Pickin' Up the Pieces]]'' received critical acclaim and reached #1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Heatseekers chart]].<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/ Fitz and the Tantrums] at [[Billboard.com|''Billboard'']]</ref> In May 2021, Fitzpatrick released his debut solo album, ''Head Up High''.

On May 2021, Fitzpatrick released his debut solo album ''Head Up High''.


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Born in [[Montluçon]], France,<ref>{{cite tweet|user=FitzAndTantrums|author=Fitz and the Tantrums|number=19096080133|date=21 July 2010|title=Its Fitz's Birthday Today! Send him your Happys !}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=File-O-Facts: Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132328-file-o-facts-michael-fitzpatrick-fitz-tantrums.html|publisher=AltSounds|accessdate=13 April 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103022239/http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132328-file-o-facts-michael-fitzpatrick-fitz-tantrums.html|archivedate=3 January 2013}}</ref> Fitzpatrick grew up in [[Los Angeles]]. His father, [[Robert Fitzpatrick (art executive)|Robert Fitzpatrick]], is Irish American and his mother, Sylvie, is French. He attended the [[Los Angeles County High School for the Arts|L.A. County High School for the Arts]], studying vocal music and then studied experimental film at the [[California Institute of the Arts]],<ref>{{cite news| title = Method of modern love - Deconstructing the soul-fueled fervor for Fitz & the Tantrums |work = Colorado Springs Independent |location=Colorado Springs| date = 2 Jun 2011| url = http://www.csindy.com/colorado/method-of-modern-love/Content?oid=2226912| accessdate = 22 Jun 2011 }}</ref> where he met fellow band member [[James King (musician)|James King]]. Although he now composes primarily on the piano and organ, he only had formal piano training later in life. He has said, "I'd always been a decent singer, but I got frustrated by my inability to play piano by anything more than by ear. I took piano lessons when I was 32, and it opened up a whole new vocabulary for me."<ref name="buzzbands">{{cite news| title = Fitz & the Tantrums: Finding plenty of soul mates |work = Buzz Bands |location=Los Angeles| date = 17 Jun 2010| url = http://buzzbands.la/2010/06/17/fitz-the-tantrums-finding-plenty-of-soul-mates/| accessdate = 22 Jun 2011 }}</ref> Fitzpatrick grew up mostly listening to classical music, as he was discouraged from listening to other music styles in the household. One concession, however, was being allowed to listen to a local oldie radio station in the car driving to and from school.<ref>{{cite news| title = Fitz and The Tantrums Interview With UTARadio.com | date = 6 Dec 2009| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDaRog_HAVs| accessdate = 22 Jun 2011 }}</ref>
Born in [[Montluçon]] in [[Allier|Allier, France]],<ref>{{cite tweet|number=19096080133|user=FitzAndTantrums|title=Its Fitz's Birthday Today! Send him your Happys !|author=Fitz & The Tantrums|date=21 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stovin |first=Jack |date=July 29, 2011 |title=File-O-Facts: Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums |url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132328-file-o-facts-michael-fitzpatrick-fitz-tantrums.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103022239/http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132328-file-o-facts-michael-fitzpatrick-fitz-tantrums.html |archivedate=3 January 2013 |accessdate=13 April 2013 |publisher=AltSounds}}</ref> Fitzpatrick grew up in [[Los Angeles]]. His father, [[Robert Fitzpatrick (art executive)|Robert Fitzpatrick]], is Irish American and his mother, Sylvie, is French. Michael attended the [[Los Angeles County High School for the Arts]], studying vocal music and then experimental film at the [[California Institute of the Arts]] in [[Santa Clarita, California|Santa Clarita]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Forman |first=Bill |date=2 Jun 2011 |title=Method of modern love - Deconstructing the soul-fueled fervor for Fitz & the Tantrums |work=Colorado Springs Independent |location= |url=http://www.csindy.com/colorado/method-of-modern-love/Content?oid=2226912 |accessdate=22 Jun 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726054339/http://www.csindy.com/colorado/method-of-modern-love/Content?oid=2226912 |archive-date=Jul 26, 2011}}</ref> where he met fellow band member [[James King (musician)|James King]].


Although Michael Fitzpatrick composes primarily on the piano and organ, he only took formal piano training later in life. He said, "I'd always been a decent singer, but I got frustrated by my inability to play piano by anything more than by ear. I took piano lessons when I was 32, and it opened up a whole new vocabulary for me."<ref name="buzzbands">{{cite news |last=Bronson |first=Kevin |date=17 Jun 2010 |title=Fitz & the Tantrums: Finding plenty of soul mates |work=Buzz Bands |location=Los Angeles |url=http://buzzbands.la/2010/06/17/fitz-the-tantrums-finding-plenty-of-soul-mates/ |accessdate=22 Jun 2011}}</ref> He grew up mostly listening to classical music and opera, as he was discouraged from listening to other genres at home. One concession, however, was being allowed to listen to a local oldies radio station in the car driving to and from school.<ref>{{cite news |last=DJGladIZ |date=6 Dec 2009 |title=Fitz and The Tantrums Interview With UTARadio.com |work=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDaRog_HAVs |accessdate=22 Jun 2011}}</ref>
⚫
After college he worked for many years behind the scenes as a sound engineer for producer [[Mickey Petralia]], who produced [[Beck]], [[Ladytron]], [[Flight of the Conchords]], and [[The Dandy Warhols]].<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2011-02-13-fitz-otv_N.htm| title=On the verge: Fitz & the Tantrums channel the Motown spirit|author=Korina Lopez|date=February 13, 2011|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=22 Jun 2011}}</ref>


⚫
After college, he worked for many years behind the scenes as a sound engineer for producer [[Mickey Petralia]] who produced [[Beck]], [[Ladytron]], [[Flight of the Conchords]], and [[The Dandy Warhols]].<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2011-02-13-fitz-otv_N.htm| title=On the verge: Fitz & the Tantrums channel the Motown spirit|author=Korina Lopez|date=February 13, 2011|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=22 Jun 2011}}</ref>
In late 2008, Fitzpatrick received a call from an ex-girlfriend to tell him about a neighbor who needed to unload or sell a church organ for $50.<ref name="rollingstonearticle"/> Fitzpatrick told her to pay the neighbor the $50 and arranged to have the organ moved to his apartment that same day. That evening, inspired by the organ, he wrote the song "Breakin' the Chains of Love". He has stated, "I immediately knew it was the best song I'd written. I could astral plane out and hear myself, like, 'wow!' Not bad!".<ref name="rollingstonearticle"/> Fitzpatrick decided to form a band, and contacted friend and saxophonist [[James King (musician)|James King]]. Through phone calls they assembled the band, with [[James King (musician)|King]] recommending singer [[Noelle Scaggs]] and drummer John Wicks, and Wicks in turn bringing in bassist Ethan Phillips and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna.<ref name="buzzbands"/> The band met for its first rehearsal a week later and instantly clicked.


In interviews he has emphasized his eclectic musical tastes. He has said, "We [the band] all have a love affair with soul and funk music. For me, it’s obviously Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, all that stuff. My musical taste runs the gamut from Radiohead to Zeppelin to Major Lazer. My older brother was really into '80s new wave, so a lot of the first records I got to borrow and steal were his."<ref>{{cite news| title = "Fitz and the Tantrums' Music Draws a Lot from Motown." - Interview |work = Zoiks Online | date = 22 Jun 2011| url = http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/06/fitz-and-tantrums-music-draws-lot-from.html | accessdate = 22 Jun 2011 }}</ref>
In late 2008, Fitzpatrick received a call from an ex-girlfriend to tell him about a neighbor who needed to unload or sell a church organ for $50.<ref name="rollingstonearticle" /> He told her to pay the neighbor $50 and arranged to have the organ moved to his apartment the same day. That evening, inspired by the organ, he wrote the song "Breakin' the Chains of Love". He said, "I immediately knew it was the best song I'd written. I could astral plane out and hear myself, like, 'wow!' Not bad!".<ref name="rollingstonearticle" /> Fitzpatrick decided to form a band, and contacted friend and saxophonist James King. During phone calls they began assembling the band with King recommending singer [[Noelle Scaggs]] and drummer [[John Wicks (drummer)|John Wicks]], and Wicks in turn bringing in bassist Ethan Phillips and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna.<ref name="buzzbands" /> The band met for its first rehearsal a week later and things instantly clicked. In interviews, Fitzpatrick has emphasized his eclectic musical tastes saying, "We [the band] all have a love affair with soul and funk music. For me, it's obviously [[Otis Redding]], [[Marvin Gaye]], [[the Supremes]], all that stuff. My musical taste runs the gamut from [[Radiohead]] to [[Led Zeppelin|Zeppelin]] to [[Major Lazer]]. My older brother was really into '80s [[New wave music|new wave]], so a lot of the first records I got to borrow and steal were his."<ref>{{cite news |last=Brindle |first=Kate |date=22 Jun 2011 |title="Fitz and the Tantrums' Music Draws a Lot from Motown." - Interview |work=Zoiks! Online |url=http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/06/fitz-and-tantrums-music-draws-lot-from.html |accessdate=22 Jun 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312232043/http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/06/fitz-and-tantrums-music-draws-lot-from.html |archive-date=Mar 12, 2012}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
In May 2013, it was announced that Fitzpatrick was expecting a child with then-girlfriend actress [[Kaylee DeFer]].<ref>{{cite news| title = Kaylee DeFer Pregnant: Gossip Girl Actress, 26, Expecting First Child With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick, 42 |work = Us Weekly| date = May 8, 2013| url = http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kaylee-defer-pregnant-gossip-girl-actress-26-expecting-first-child-with-boyfriend-michael-fitzpatrick-42-201385| accessdate = September 21, 2013|first= Nicole|last= Eggenberger }}</ref> DeFer gave birth to their son in September 2013.<ref>{{cite news| title = Kaylee DeFer Gives Birth to Baby Boy With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick!|work = Us Weekly| date = September 21, 2013| url = http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kaylee-defer-gives-birth-to-baby-boy-with-boyfriend-michael-fitzpatrick-2013219| accessdate = September 21, 2013|first= Allison|last= Takeda }}</ref> Fitzpatrick and DeFer married on 25 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BITkVpeBn3F/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/fitz/1302544534550773189 |archive-date=2021-12-25 |url-access=registration|title=Fitz on Instagram: "One year ago today I got to marry this incredible woman. I love you @kayleedefer I'm the luckiest guy in the world."|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They welcomed their second son in April 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxWDE9g2_g/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/fitz/1491069920145010656 |archive-date=2021-12-25 |url-access=registration|title=Fitz on Instagram: "Sebastian Danger Fitzpatrick Born April 11th at 2:27pm. 7pounds 15 ounces. Mama @kayleedefer and her boy squad!"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and a third son was born on 26 May 2019.<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-bGyeA4e7/</ref>
In May 2013, it was announced that Fitzpatrick was expecting a child with then-girlfriend actress [[Kaylee DeFer]].<ref>{{cite news| title = Kaylee DeFer Pregnant: Gossip Girl Actress, 26, Expecting First Child With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick, 42 |work = Us Weekly| date = May 8, 2013| url = http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kaylee-defer-pregnant-gossip-girl-actress-26-expecting-first-child-with-boyfriend-michael-fitzpatrick-42-201385| accessdate = September 21, 2013|first= Nicole|last= Eggenberger }}</ref> DeFer had their son in September 2013.<ref>{{cite news| title = Kaylee DeFer Gives Birth to Baby Boy With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick!|work = Us Weekly| date = September 21, 2013| url = http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/kaylee-defer-gives-birth-to-baby-boy-with-boyfriend-michael-fitzpatrick-2013219| accessdate = September 21, 2013|first= Allison|last= Takeda }}</ref> Fitzpatrick and DeFer married on 25 July 2015<ref>{{cite web |last=fitz |date=July 26, 2016 |title=One year ago today I got to marry this incredible woman. I love you @kayleedefer I'm the luckiest guy in the world. |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BITkVpeBn3F/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/fitz/1302544534550773189 |archive-date=2021-12-25 |website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and their second son was born in April 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last=fitz |date=April 12, 2017 |title=Sebastian Danger Fitzpatrick Born April 11th at 2:27pm. 7pounds 15 ounces. Mama @kayleedefer and her boy squad! |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxWDE9g2_g/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/fitz/1491069920145010656 |archive-date=2021-12-25 |website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A third son was born in May 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last=DeFer |first=Kaylee |date=May 27, 2019 |title=We did it! He came in like a wild fire. Welcome Rémy Lincoln Fitzpatrick. Born May 26th. 8 LBS 5.9 Oz. 20 inches long. I barely made it to the hospital at 5:50pm and had him in my arms at 6:20pm. We're both happy and healthy and can't wait for Michael to get home from Seoul. Thank you for all the well wishes and love. We hear it and feel it immensely. So grateful for my tribe and my parents for hustling to be there for us while Michael's been away. I'm overwhelmed with love and appreciation for the giant hearts in my life. #babyfitz3 #brothersfitz #❤️ #welcomeearthside |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-bGyeA4e7/ |website=Instagram}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 39: Line 39:
==== Solo ====
==== Solo ====
* ''Head Up High''
* ''Head Up High''
* ''Summer of Us''

⚫
==== With [[Band of Merrymakers]] ====
⚫
* ''[[Welcome to Our Christmas Party]]''


==== With [[Fitz and the Tantrums]] ====
==== With [[Fitz and the Tantrums]] ====
{{See also|Fitz and the Tantrums discography}}
* ''[[Pickin' Up the Pieces (Fitz and the Tantrums album)|Pickin' Up the Pieces]]''
* ''[[Pickin' Up the Pieces (Fitz and the Tantrums album)|Pickin' Up the Pieces]]''
* ''[[More Than Just a Dream]]''
* ''[[More Than Just a Dream]]''
* ''[[Fitz and the Tantrums (album)|Fitz and the Tantrums]]''
* ''[[Fitz and the Tantrums (album)|Fitz and the Tantrums]]''
* ''[[All the Feels (album)|All the Feels]]''
* ''[[All the Feels (album)|All the Feels]]''
* ''[[Let Yourself Free]]''

⚫
==== With [[Band of Merrymakers]] ====
⚫
* ''[[Welcome to Our Christmas Party]]''


=== Singles ===
=== Singles ===
Line 57: Line 60:
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Album
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Album
|-
|-
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Adult Top 40|US<br />Adult]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/atf/|title=Fitz Chart History – Adult Pop Songs|work=Billboard|accessdate=December 21, 2020}}</ref>
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Adult Top 40|US<br />Adult]]<br><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/atf/|title=Fitz Chart History – Adult Pop Songs|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=December 21, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | "Head Up High"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-up-high-single/1535509658|title=Head Up High - Single by FITZ on Apple Music |work=Apple Music |accessdate=March 26, 2021}}</ref>
! scope="row" | "Head Up High"<ref>{{cite web |title=Head Up High - Single by FITZ |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-up-high-single/1535509658 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107203742/https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-up-high-single/1535509658 |archive-date=Nov 7, 2020 |accessdate=March 26, 2021 |work=Apple Music}}</ref>
| rowspan="1"| 2020
| 2020
| 17
| 17
| ''Head Up High''
| rowspan="2"|''Head Up High''
|-
! scope="row" | "Congratulations"<ref>{{Citation |title=Congratulations (feat. Bryce Vine) by FITZ & Fitz and The Tantrums on Apple Music |date=2021-03-19 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/congratulations-feat-bryce-vine-single/1558935062 |access-date=2024-06-29 |language=en-US}}</ref><br />{{small|(solo or with [[Bryce Vine]])}}
| rowspan="2"|2021
| –
|-
! scope="row" | "Life's Too Short"<ref>{{cite web |date=3 December 2021 |title=Life's Too Short - Single by Two Friends & Fitz |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/lifes-too-short-single/1592035291 |accessdate=February 1, 2022 |website=Apple Music}}</ref> <br />{{small|(with [[Two Friends (DJs)|Two Friends]])}}
| –
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
|-
| colspan="10" style="font-size:90%" |"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
| colspan="10" style="font-size:90%" |"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Line 75: Line 86:
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Album
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Album
|-
|-
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Adult Alternative Songs|US<br />AAA]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/aaa/|title=Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=December 22, 2020}}</ref>
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Adult Alternative Songs|US<br />AAA]]<br><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/aaa/|title=Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=December 22, 2020}}</ref>
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Hot Dance/Electronic Songs|US<br />Dance]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/dan/|title=Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Hot Dance/Electronic Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=December 22, 2020}}</ref>
!style="width:2.5em;font-size:80%;"| [[Hot Dance/Electronic Songs|US<br />Dance]]<br><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/fitz-and-the-tantrums/chart-history/dan/|title=Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Hot Dance/Electronic Songs|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=December 22, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | "Broken Drum"<br />{{small|([[Cash Cash]] featuring Fitz)}}
! scope="row" | "Broken Drum"<br />{{small|([[Cash Cash]] featuring Fitz)}}
| rowspan="1"| 2016
| 2016
| — || 44
| — || 44
| align="center"| ''[[Blood, Sweat & 3 Years]]''
| align="center"| ''[[Blood, Sweat & 3 Years]]''
|-
|-
! scope="row" | "Domino"<br />{{small|([[ZZ Ward]] featuring Fitz)}}
! scope="row" | "Domino"<br />{{small|([[ZZ Ward]] featuring Fitz)}}
| rowspan="1"| 2017
| 2017
| 24 || —
| 24 || —
| align="center"| ''[[The Storm (ZZ Ward album)|The Storm]]''
| align="center"| ''[[The Storm (ZZ Ward album)|The Storm]]''
|-
|-
! scope="row" | "Big Dreams"<br />{{small|([[The Score (upcoming film)|The Score]] featuring Fitz)}}
! scope="row" | "Big Dreams"<br />{{small|([[The Score (band)|The Score]] featuring Fitz)}}
| rowspan="1"| 2021
| 2021
| 24 || —
| 24 || —
| align="center"| ''[[ Big Dreams (Single)|The Score]]''
| align="center"| ''Metamorph''
|-
|-
| colspan="10" style="font-size:90%" |"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
| colspan="10" style="font-size:90%" |"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Line 133: Line 144:
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:California Institute of the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:California Institute of the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:Fitz and The Tantrums members]]
[[Category:Fitz and the Tantrums members]]
[[Category:Los Angeles County High School for the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:Los Angeles County High School for the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:Singers from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Singers from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:People from Montluçon]]
[[Category:People from Montluçon]]
[[Category:French emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:French emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:French people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:21st-century American singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American singers]]

Latest revision as of 14:17, 13 December 2024

For other people named Michael Fitzpatrick, see Michael Fitzpatrick (disambiguation).
Michael Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick performing at The Filmore Detroit in 2014
Fitzpatrick performing at The Filmore Detroit in 2014
Background information
Birth nameMichael Sean Fitzpatrick
Also known asFitz
Born (1970-07-21) 21 July 1970 (age 54)
Montluçon, France
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresIndie pop, neo soul
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, keyboards
Years active2007–present
LabelsDangerbird
Spouse
​
(m. 2015)​

Michael Sean "Fitz" Fitzpatrick (born 21 July 1970), known professionally as FITZ, is a French-American musician, singer and songwriter, who is the lead vocalist of the indie pop/neo-soul band Fitz and the Tantrums.

Fitz and the Tantrums were picked as a "band to watch" in an April 2011 profile in Rolling Stone.[1] Their 2010 debut full-length album Pickin' Up the Pieces received critical acclaim and reached #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.[2] In May 2021, Fitzpatrick released his debut solo album, Head Up High.

Biography

[edit]

Born in Montluçon in Allier, France,[3][4] Fitzpatrick grew up in Los Angeles. His father, Robert Fitzpatrick, is Irish American and his mother, Sylvie, is French. Michael attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, studying vocal music and then experimental film at the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita,[5] where he met fellow band member James King.

Although Michael Fitzpatrick composes primarily on the piano and organ, he only took formal piano training later in life. He said, "I'd always been a decent singer, but I got frustrated by my inability to play piano by anything more than by ear. I took piano lessons when I was 32, and it opened up a whole new vocabulary for me."[6] He grew up mostly listening to classical music and opera, as he was discouraged from listening to other genres at home. One concession, however, was being allowed to listen to a local oldies radio station in the car driving to and from school.[7]

After college, he worked for many years behind the scenes as a sound engineer for producer Mickey Petralia who produced Beck, Ladytron, Flight of the Conchords, and The Dandy Warhols.[8]

In late 2008, Fitzpatrick received a call from an ex-girlfriend to tell him about a neighbor who needed to unload or sell a church organ for $50.[1] He told her to pay the neighbor $50 and arranged to have the organ moved to his apartment the same day. That evening, inspired by the organ, he wrote the song "Breakin' the Chains of Love". He said, "I immediately knew it was the best song I'd written. I could astral plane out and hear myself, like, 'wow!' Not bad!".[1] Fitzpatrick decided to form a band, and contacted friend and saxophonist James King. During phone calls they began assembling the band with King recommending singer Noelle Scaggs and drummer John Wicks, and Wicks in turn bringing in bassist Ethan Phillips and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna.[6] The band met for its first rehearsal a week later and things instantly clicked. In interviews, Fitzpatrick has emphasized his eclectic musical tastes saying, "We [the band] all have a love affair with soul and funk music. For me, it's obviously Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, all that stuff. My musical taste runs the gamut from Radiohead to Zeppelin to Major Lazer. My older brother was really into '80s new wave, so a lot of the first records I got to borrow and steal were his."[9]

Personal life

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In May 2013, it was announced that Fitzpatrick was expecting a child with then-girlfriend actress Kaylee DeFer.[10] DeFer had their son in September 2013.[11] Fitzpatrick and DeFer married on 25 July 2015[12] and their second son was born in April 2017.[13] A third son was born in May 2019.[14]

Discography

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Albums

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Solo

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  • Head Up High
  • Summer of Us

With Fitz and the Tantrums

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See also: Fitz and the Tantrums discography

With Band of Merrymakers

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Singles

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As solo artist

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Adult
[15]
"Head Up High"[16] 2020 17 Head Up High
"Congratulations"[17]
(solo or with Bryce Vine) 		2021 –
"Life's Too Short"[18]
(with Two Friends) 		– Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
AAA
[19] 		US
Dance
[20]
"Broken Drum"
(Cash Cash featuring Fitz) 		2016 — 44 Blood, Sweat & 3 Years
"Domino"
(ZZ Ward featuring Fitz) 		2017 24 — The Storm
"Big Dreams"
(The Score featuring Fitz) 		2021 24 — Metamorph
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

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Title Year Album
"Not Leaving You Tonight"
(LL Cool J featuring Eddie Van Halen and Fitz) 		2013 Authentic
"That's What I Like"
(Flo Rida featuring Fitz) 		2015 My House
"Jacked Up" (Remix)
(Weezer featuring Nadya of Pussy Riot and Fitz) 		2016 Weezer
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Greenwald, Andy (12 Apr 2011). "Band to Watch: Fitz and the Tantrums Put a Modern Spin on Motown". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  2. ^ Fitz and the Tantrums at Billboard
  3. ^ Fitz & The Tantrums [@FitzAndTantrums] (21 July 2010). "Its Fitz's Birthday Today! Send him your Happys !" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Stovin, Jack (July 29, 2011). "File-O-Facts: Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums". AltSounds. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  5. ^ Forman, Bill (2 Jun 2011). "Method of modern love - Deconstructing the soul-fueled fervor for Fitz & the Tantrums". Colorado Springs Independent. Archived from the original on Jul 26, 2011. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  6. ^ a b Bronson, Kevin (17 Jun 2010). "Fitz & the Tantrums: Finding plenty of soul mates". Buzz Bands. Los Angeles. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  7. ^ DJGladIZ (6 Dec 2009). "Fitz and The Tantrums Interview With UTARadio.com". YouTube. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  8. ^ Korina Lopez (February 13, 2011). "On the verge: Fitz & the Tantrums channel the Motown spirit". USA Today. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  9. ^ Brindle, Kate (22 Jun 2011). ""Fitz and the Tantrums' Music Draws a Lot from Motown." - Interview". Zoiks! Online. Archived from the original on Mar 12, 2012. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
  10. ^ Eggenberger, Nicole (May 8, 2013). "Kaylee DeFer Pregnant: Gossip Girl Actress, 26, Expecting First Child With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick, 42". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  11. ^ Takeda, Allison (September 21, 2013). "Kaylee DeFer Gives Birth to Baby Boy With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick!". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  12. ^ fitz (July 26, 2016). "One year ago today I got to marry this incredible woman. I love you @kayleedefer I'm the luckiest guy in the world". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-25.
  13. ^ fitz (April 12, 2017). "Sebastian Danger Fitzpatrick Born April 11th at 2:27pm. 7pounds 15 ounces. Mama @kayleedefer and her boy squad!". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-25.
  14. ^ DeFer, Kaylee (May 27, 2019). "We did it! He came in like a wild fire. Welcome Rémy Lincoln Fitzpatrick. Born May 26th. 8 LBS 5.9 Oz. 20 inches long. I barely made it to the hospital at 5:50pm and had him in my arms at 6:20pm. We're both happy and healthy and can't wait for Michael to get home from Seoul. Thank you for all the well wishes and love. We hear it and feel it immensely. So grateful for my tribe and my parents for hustling to be there for us while Michael's been away. I'm overwhelmed with love and appreciation for the giant hearts in my life. #babyfitz3 #brothersfitz #❤️ #welcomeearthside". Instagram.
  15. ^ "Fitz Chart History – Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  16. ^ "Head Up High - Single by FITZ". Apple Music. Archived from the original on Nov 7, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  17. ^ Congratulations (feat. Bryce Vine) by FITZ & Fitz and The Tantrums on Apple Music, 2021-03-19, retrieved 2024-06-29
  18. ^ "Life's Too Short - Single by Two Friends & Fitz". Apple Music. 3 December 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  19. ^ "Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  20. ^ "Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Hot Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
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