Adam Sandler Celebrates Music Passion with ASCAP Award

The actor and comedian reflects on his early days busking on subway platforms and how his daughters have inherited his love for music.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Adam Sandler was honored with the ASCAP Founders Award at the 2026 ASCAP Experience, recognizing his contributions as a songwriter and performer. Sandler shared that music has always been his top passion, even more so than comedy, and reminisced about his early days busking on subway platforms in Manhattan while attending NYU. He also noted that his two daughters, Sadie and Sunny, have carried on his love for music, with both of them jamming and writing songs at home.

Why it matters

Sandler's acceptance of the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award highlights his enduring impact on the music industry, beyond just his comedic acting roles. His story of pursuing music from a young age and passing that passion on to his children resonates with many artists and fans who see music as a lifelong creative outlet.

The details

In his acceptance speech, Sandler shared memories of starting a band at age 12 and learning to play Beatles songs on guitar. He said 'Comedy wasn't first' and that 'I always used music. It's always made me the happiest.' Sandler also recalled making extra money by busking with his guitar at subway stations in Manhattan while attending NYU and starting to pursue stand-up comedy. He pointed out that the Carpenters' song 'We've Only Just Begun,' which ASCAP president Paul Williams co-wrote, was always a 'showstopper' for him when performing on the subway.

  • Sandler received the ASCAP Founders Award on Thursday, February 14, 2026.
  • Sandler's daughters, Sadie and Sunny, are currently 19 and 17 years old.

The players

Adam Sandler

An American actor, comedian, screenwriter, film producer, and musician who has starred in numerous popular comedy films.

Sadie Sandler

Adam Sandler's 19-year-old daughter, who has appeared in projects with her father.

Sunny Sandler

Adam Sandler's 17-year-old daughter, who has also appeared in projects with her father.

Paul Williams

The president and chair of ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Elizabeth Matthews

The chief executive officer of ASCAP.

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What they’re saying

“Comedy wasn't first. I always used music. It's always made me the happiest.”

— Adam Sandler (ASCAP Experience)

“Both of my daughters, they jam in the house all day long like I used to. I walked by last night, and my one kid's playing the piano, writing a song. My other kid's in New York now. Every time I visit her, all her friends are like, 'All she does is play guitar all day long.' It's really cool. Music's the best.”

— Adam Sandler (ASCAP Experience)

“I used to play 'We've Only Just Begun' on guitar and sing that all the time. Always the showstopper. Always changed everybody's moods — maybe they just didn't like the way I sang it.”

— Adam Sandler (ASCAP Experience)

What’s next

Sandler's daughters, Sadie and Sunny, are both pursuing music in their own ways, with Sadie writing songs at home and Sunny playing guitar extensively with her friends in New York. It will be interesting to see if they follow in their father's footsteps and incorporate music into their future creative endeavors.

The takeaway

Adam Sandler's acceptance of the ASCAP Founders Award underscores his lifelong passion for music, which he has passed on to his two daughters. This story highlights how creative talents can manifest in multiple forms, and how the love of music can be a unifying force across generations.