Derek A.E. Fuhrman, a songwriter who co-penned American Idol winner Philip Phillips’ hit “Gone, Gone, Gone” and worked with acts including O.A.R., Goo Goo Dolls, Five for Fighting and Kygo, has died. He was 44.
A family rep told Deadline that Fuhrman died June 27 of oral cancer in Nashville.
Fuhrman started in the music business while attending the University of Delaware, where he fronted a band called Omnisoul, later renamed The Crash Motive. The group enjoyed regional success and ultimately signed with Sony BMG, recording an album and doing national tours. Some of the band’s music was used in films, TV and video games.
Transitioning to a solo career in Los Angeles and later Nashville, Fuhrmann penned a string of award-winning songs, most notably co-authoring “Gone, Gone, Gone” with Season 11 American Idol winner Phillips, which went double-platinum and topped Billboard’s Adult Alternative and Adult Contemporary charts while reaching the national Top 25. The song is featured in the films The Amazing Spider-Man and Grudge Match.
A recipient of the ASCAP Pop Award, Fuhrman’s songs also have been featured in 2005’s Fantastic Four on and TV’s Conan and Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Fuhrman is survived by his parents, his wife, Mackenzie Fuhrman; and sons Finn (5) and Boone (6 weeks); Fred Fuhrmann and Deborah Kimelstein; sisters Donna Salvagio, Karin Fuhrmann, Gail Fuhrmann, Nancy Pereira; and brothers Andrew Fuhrmann and Rob Lithicum.
A celebration of his life is planned fpr the fall in New York City. Donations to his memorial fund can be made via Venmo to @Mackenzie-Rader.
