Pete Fountain

Date of Birth: July 3, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: August 6, 2016

Biography

Pete Fountain, born Pierre Dewey LaFontaine Jr., was an acclaimed American clarinetist renowned for his virtuoso talent and distinctive New Orleans jazz style. Fountain was born on July 3, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city that greatly influenced his musical career. He began playing the clarinet at a young age and was largely self-taught, although he did receive some formal musical training. Fountain’s career took off in the 1950s when he joined the bands of Lawrence Welk and the Dukes of Dixieland. However, he soon returned to New Orleans to establish his own name in the jazz scene. He opened his own club, Pete Fountain’s French Quarter Inn, which became a hotspot for jazz enthusiasts. Over the years, Fountain recorded over 100 albums and performed at major events, including several appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Fountain was celebrated for his smooth, mellow tone and his ability to blend traditional jazz with more contemporary sounds. He became a beloved figure in New Orleans, participating actively in Mardi Gras parades and other local festivities. He passed away on August 6, 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Pete Fountain

1. Pete Fountain was largely self-taught and began playing the clarinet at the age of nine.

2. He was a regular performer on “The Lawrence Welk Show” in the late 1950s.

3. Fountain opened his own jazz club in New Orleans, Pete Fountain’s French Quarter Inn, which became a famous venue for live jazz.

4. He performed at multiple Super Bowl halftime shows and was a regular at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

5. Fountain was a member of the Krewe of Bacchus, a prominent New Orleans Mardi Gras organization, and often performed during their parades.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pete Fountain

1. “The clarinet chose me; I didn’t choose it.”

2. “New Orleans is my home. It’s where my heart is, and it’s where my music lives.”

3. “Jazz is more than music; it’s a way of life.”

4. “You can’t play jazz without a little bit of soul.”

5. “I always wanted to make people happy with my music. That’s the real reward.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Pete Fountain’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Pete Fountain had three children: Kevin, Jeffrey, and Dahra Fountain. His family often stayed out of the public eye, but they were known to be supportive of his musical career.