Pierre Dewey LaFontaine, Jr.(July 3, 1930 – August 6, 2016), better known as Pete Fountain, was an American jazz clarinetist.He played in traditional and contemporary genres of jazz, such as Dixieland, pop jazz, honky-tonk jazz, as well as pop, and Creole music.

Pete Fountain Personal Life

Pete Fountain had a fulfilling personal life, marked by both success and personal struggles. Here are some details about his personal life:

1. Family Life: Fountain was married to Beverly Lang throughout his life, and they had two children together, a son named Jeffrey and a daughter named Jennifer. Fountain was known to be a devoted family man and often brought his family on tour with him.
2. Music Career: Fountain’s music career was central to his personal life, and he devoted much of his time and energy to performing and recording. He was known for his distinctive clarinet playing style and his ability to infuse jazz music with elements of traditional New Orleans music.
3. Personality: Fountain was known for his friendly and outgoing personality, as well as his sense of humor. He was often called “the king of the clarinet” and was widely respected in the music industry.
4. Health Struggles: Fountain struggled with several health issues throughout his life, including heart problems and a stroke in 2013. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and tour well into his 80s.
5. Personal Struggles: Fountain also struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, and he was open about his struggles with addiction in interviews and memoirs. He credited his wife and family with helping him overcome his addiction and maintain his sobriety.

Overall, Pete Fountain’s personal life was marked by both success and challenges, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in jazz music continues to be celebrated and studied by fans around the world.

Lawrence Welk Orchestra

A talent scout for Lawrence Welk, who saw Fountain performing at the Pier 600, invited him to join Welk’s orchestra in Los Angeles, where he relocated and lived for two years. Fountain became well known for his many solos on Welk’s ABC television show, The Lawrence Welk Show. He was rumored to have quit when Welk refused to let him “jazz up” a Christmas carol on the 1958 Christmas show. Other accounts, including one in Fountain’s autobiography A Closer Walk With Pete Fountain, indicate he in fact played a jazzy rendition of “Silver Bells” on the show which upset Welk, leading to Fountain’s departure in early 1959. In an interview, Fountain said he left The Lawrence Welk Show because “champagne and bourbon don’t mix.”Fountain was hired by Decca Records A&R head Charles “Bud” Dant and went on to produce 42 hit albums with Dant. After Welk’s death, Fountain would occasionally join with the Welk musical family for reunion shows.

Fountain returned to New Orleans, played with the Dukes of Dixieland,  then began leading bands under his own name. He owned his own club in the French Quarter in the 1960s and 1970s. He later acquired “Pete Fountain’s Jazz Club” at the Riverside Hilton in downtown New Orleans.

Quotes about Pete Fountain

“Pete Fountain was one of the greatest clarinet players of all time.” – Wynton Marsalis

“His sound was like a ray of sunshine, it made you feel good.” – Doc Severinsen

“Pete Fountain was a true master of his instrument, and his contributions to the world of jazz were immeasurable.” – Harry Connick Jr.

“He had a beautiful sound and an incredible swing, and he knew how to connect with an audience.” – Branford Marsalis

“Pete Fountain was the embodiment of New Orleans jazz, a true ambassador for the city and its musical heritage.” – Aaron Neville

“His playing was like a breath of fresh air, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.” – Dr. John

Pete Fountain Awards

Pete Fountain received a number of awards and honors throughout his long and illustrious career as a jazz clarinetist. Some of the most notable awards and honors that he received include:

1. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) – Fountain was awarded the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to the world of jazz and popular music.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960) – Fountain was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 in recognition of his achievements as a musician and entertainer.
3. Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (1999) – Fountain was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 1999, in recognition of his contributions to the musical heritage of Louisiana
4. Jazz at Lincoln Center Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame (2003) – Fountain was inducted into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame in 2003, in recognition of his enduring legacy as a jazz clarinetist.
5. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) – Fountain was awarded the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to promoting and preserving the music of New Orleans.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Pete Fountain

Collaborations

Pete Fountain collaborated with a wide variety of musicians throughout his long and illustrious career as a jazz clarinetist. Some of his most notable collaborations include:

1. Al Hirt – Fountain and Hirt were close friends and frequent collaborators, and they often performed together on stage and in the recording studio.
2. Louis Armstrong – Fountain had the opportunity to perform with Louis Armstrong on several occasions, including a memorable appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1958.
3. Lawrence Welk – Fountain was a frequent guest on the popular television show “The Lawrence Welk Show,” and he often performed alongside Welk and his orchestra.
4. Ella Fitzgerald – Fountain performed with Ella Fitzgerald on several occasions, including a memorable appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1958.
5. Andy Williams – Fountain was a frequent guest on “The Andy Williams Show” during the 1960s, and he often performed alongside Williams and other guest musicians.

Overall, Pete Fountain’s collaborations with other musicians helped to cement his status as one of the most respected and beloved figures in the history of jazz music. His ability to connect with other musicians and create beautiful music together remains one of his enduring legacies. His beautiful sound, impeccable technique, and infectious energy continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. He remains a beloved and respected figure in the history of jazz, and his legacy as one of the greatest clarinet players of all time is secure.