Pete Fountain, the famed New Orleans jazz clarinetist whose 60-year career was marked by performances for presidents and a pope, making him an international ambassador for the music and culture of his hometown, has died. He was 86.
Fountain died at 5:08 a.m. Saturday in New Orleans, a statement from his family said.
“It’s a sad day for his family. And it’s sad to for all of New Orleans. Pete and his clarinet brought a lot of love and music to the world. He will greatly be missed," said Benny Harrell, Pete Fountain’s son-in-law and longtime manager.
Fountain battled health problems in recent years, including heart surgery and a stroke, and retired from performing in April 2014. Until then, he had remained active, often performing alongside his protégé, clarinetist Tim Laughlin, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival.
from WWL-TV
Fountain died at 5:08 a.m. Saturday in New Orleans, a statement from his family said.
“It’s a sad day for his family. And it’s sad to for all of New Orleans. Pete and his clarinet brought a lot of love and music to the world. He will greatly be missed," said Benny Harrell, Pete Fountain’s son-in-law and longtime manager.
Fountain battled health problems in recent years, including heart surgery and a stroke, and retired from performing in April 2014. Until then, he had remained active, often performing alongside his protégé, clarinetist Tim Laughlin, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival.
from WWL-TV
