He got his start in music by playing in various bands in the New Orleans area in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1957, he joined the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, where he became known for his virtuosic clarinet playing. Fountain left the Welk Orchestra in 1959 and formed his own band, the Pete Fountain Quartet, which became one of the most popular jazz groups of the 1960s and 1970s. He continued to perform and record until his death on August 6, 2016 at the age of 86.
New Orleans jazz legend Pete Fountain celebrated his 85th birthday at Antoine’s
The Times-Picayune Jun 29, 2015 New Orleans, LA – Pete Fountain and his wife, Beverly, during the celebration of his 85th birthday at Antoine’s on June 28, 2015. His actual birthday is July 3.
New Orleans jazz legend Pete Fountain celebrated his 85th birthday at Antoine’s
Pete Fountain with his sister, Dolores ‘Del’ Materne, left, and his wife, Beverly, right, during the celebration of his 85th birthday at Antoine’s on June 28, 2015. His actual birthday is July 3.
New Orleans jazz legend Pete Fountain celebrated his 85th birthday at Antoine’s
Pete Fountain and his wife, Beverly, during the celebration of his 85th birthday at Antoine’s on June 28, 2015. His actual birthday is July 3.
Five years ago, New Orleans jazz legend Pete Fountain celebrated his 80th birthday with scores of family members, friends and fans – as well as a 12-foot clarinet cake – at Rock ‘n’ Bowl. To commemorate his 85th birthday, he opted for a more low-key celebration.
On Sunday (June 28), 21 members of the extended Fountain family gathered in the Rex Room of Antoine’s Restaurant in the French Quarter for a celebratory brunch. Fountain’s actual birthday is July 3. But because several family members would be out of town then, they staged the celebration a bit early.
Fountain was joined by his wife of 63 years, Beverly; his older sister, Dolores “Del” Materne; his three children, Jeff Fountain, Kevin Fountain and Darah Fountain Harrell; his six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
“We did something more low-key this year, to just enjoy spending time with Dad,” Jeff Fountain said.
At one point, as the family harmonized on “Happy Birthday,” Pete closed his eyes to better appreciate the moment. “That was good,” Pete said. “I really appreciated it.”
The staff at Antoine’s prepared a special version of its famed Baked Alaska, decorated with the message “Happy 85th Pete.” The Baked Alaska “was wonderful,” Pete said. “I hadn’t had it in at least two years.” More
Pete Fountain shares a birthday with these jazz musicians:
- Alan Goidel
- Alyssa Falk
- Ben Zahler
- Betty Buckley
- Billy Dean
- Bruce Adams
- Carlan Pulkkinen
- Corinne Bach
- Dr. Lonnie Smith
- Duffy Jackson
- Enrico Intra
- Frederick E. Williams
- Gary Loyd Poole
- Gioele Pagliaccia
- Henrik Pultz Melbye
- Jarad Astin
- Jayden Leach
- Jeff Herr
- John Blake
- John Heard
- John Klemmer
- Johnny Coles
- Johnny Hartman
- Kelly Fenton
- Lisa Hugo
- Lon Dorsey
- Luca Crispino
- Matthew F. Vacanti
- Max Feldschuh
- Melissa Walker
- Mitch Marcus
- Rev Chris
- Rhoda Scott
- Ronnell Bright
- Tom Siegel
- Tommy Pass