Michael Fitzpatrick (musician): Difference between revisions
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'''Michael Sean''' "'''Fitz'''" '''Fitzpatrick''' (born 21 July 1970) is a French-born 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) is a French-born American musician and singer-songwriter, who is the lead vocalist of the [[indie pop]]/[[neo-soul]] band [[Fitz and the Tantrums]]. |
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Fitz and the Tantrums were heralded as a "band to watch" in an April 2011 profile in ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref name="rollingstonearticle">{{cite magazine| |
Fitz and the Tantrums were heralded 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> |
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In May 2021, Fitzpatrick released his debut solo album ''Head Up High''. |
In May 2021, Fitzpatrick released his debut solo album, ''Head Up High''. |
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== Biography == |
== Biography == |
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Born in [[Montluçon]], France,<ref>{{cite tweet |
Born in [[Montluçon]], 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. 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 |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 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 |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> 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 |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> |
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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> |
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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 |
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 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 instantly clicked. |
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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 music|new wave]], so a lot of the first records I got to borrow and steal were his."<ref>{{cite news| |
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 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> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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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 |
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 |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> 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> and 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> |
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== Discography == |
== Discography == |
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!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> |
!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> |
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! scope="row" | "Head Up High"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/head-up-high-single/1535509658| |
! 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> |
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| 2020 |
| 2020 |
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| 17 |
| 17 |
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| ''Head Up High'' |
| ''Head Up High'' |
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|- |
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! scope="row" | "Life's Too Short"<ref>{{cite web| |
! 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 /><span style="font-size:85%;">(with [[Two Friends (DJs)|Two Friends]])</span> |
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| 2021 |
| 2021 |
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| — |
| — |
Revision as of 19:03, 31 March 2023
Michael Fitzpatrick | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michael Sean Fitzpatrick |
Also known as | Fitz |
Born | Montluçon, France | 21 July 1970
Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Genres | Indie pop, neo soul |
Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, keyboard |
Years active | 2008–present |
Labels | Dangerbird |
Michael Sean "Fitz" Fitzpatrick (born 21 July 1970) is a French-born American musician and singer-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.[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
Born in Montluçon, France,[3][4] Fitzpatrick grew up in Los Angeles. His father, Robert Fitzpatrick, is Irish American and his mother, Sylvie, is French. He attended the L.A. County High School for the Arts, studying vocal music and then studied experimental film at the California Institute of the Arts,[5] where he met fellow band member 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."[6] 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.[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] 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!".[1] Fitzpatrick decided to form a band, and contacted friend and saxophonist James King. Through phone calls they assembled 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 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."[9]
Personal life
In May 2013, it was announced that Fitzpatrick was expecting a child with then-girlfriend actress Kaylee DeFer.[10] DeFer gave birth to their son in September 2013.[11] Fitzpatrick and DeFer married on 25 July 2015.[12] Their second son was born in April 2017[13] and a third son was born in May 2019.[14]
Discography
Albums
Solo
- Head Up High
With Band of Merrymakers
Singles
As solo artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Adult [15] | |||||||||
"Head Up High"[16] | 2020 | 17 | Head Up High | ||||||
"Life's Too Short"[17] (with Two Friends) |
2021 | — | Non-album single | ||||||
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
As featured artist
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US AAA [18] |
US Dance [19] | ||||||||
"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 | — | The Score | |||||
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Guest appearances
Title | Year | Album | |||||||
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"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
- ^ 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.
- ^ Fitz and the Tantrums at Billboard
- ^ Fitz & The Tantrums [@FitzAndTantrums] (21 July 2010). "Its Fitz's Birthday Today! Send him your Happys !" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Bronson, Kevin (17 Jun 2010). "Fitz & the Tantrums: Finding plenty of soul mates". Buzz Bands. Los Angeles. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
- ^ DJGladIZ (6 Dec 2009). "Fitz and The Tantrums Interview With UTARadio.com". YouTube. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
- ^ Korina Lopez (February 13, 2011). "On the verge: Fitz & the Tantrums channel the Motown spirit". USA Today. Retrieved 22 Jun 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Takeda, Allison (September 21, 2013). "Kaylee DeFer Gives Birth to Baby Boy With Boyfriend Michael Fitzpatrick!". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Fitz Chart History – Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ "Head Up High - Single by FITZ". Apple Music. Archived from the original on Nov 7, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ "Life's Too Short - Single by Two Friends & Fitz". Apple Music. 3 December 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Adult Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ "Fitz & the Tantrums Chart History – Hot Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
External links
- 1970 births
- Living people
- American male singers
- California Institute of the Arts alumni
- Fitz and The Tantrums members
- Los Angeles County High School for the Arts alumni
- Singers from Los Angeles
- People from Montluçon
- French emigrants to the United States
- French people of Irish descent
- 21st-century American singers