Pete Fountain
Pete Fountain, born Pierre Dewey LaFontaine Jr. on July 3, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a renowned American jazz clarinetist celebrated for his contributions to the genres of jazz and Dixieland. Fountain's early life was marked by health challenges, leading to a doctor's recommendation that he play a wind instrument to strengthen his lungs. Choosing the clarinet, Fountain quickly developed a passion for jazz, inspired by the recordings of Benny Goodman and Irving Fazola. By his teenage years, he was performing regularly in New Orleans nightclubs.
Fountain's professional career began in earnest with the formation of the Basin Street Six in 1950, alongside his friend, trumpeter George Girard. After a stint with the Dukes of Dixieland in Chicago, he returned to New Orleans to collaborate with Al Hirt. His talents caught the attention of Lawrence Welk's son, leading to a two-year tenure with the Lawrence Welk orchestra in Los Angeles, where Fountain gained national recognition through his performances on Welk's television show.
In 1975, Fountain and Al Hirt performed at the Super Bowl IX halftime show in New Orleans, a memorable event that highlighted their musical synergy. Despite his commercial success, Fountain remained deeply connected to his New Orleans roots, embodying the spirit of the city's jazz tradition. Over his career, he released nearly 50 albums, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American jazz. Fountain passed away on August 6, 2016, in New Orleans, leaving behind a legacy as a legendary clarinetist and a beloved figure in the jazz community.
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