Category: News/Obituary
Sadly, the "Heartbreak Hotel" is now vacant. DJ Fontana, the last surviving member of Elvis' band in the 1950s, has died.
Born Dominic Joseph Fontana in 1931, Fontana's first work as a drummer came on the legendary Louisiana Hayride. He met and backed the likes of Faron Young and Webb Pierce there.
Of course, the Louisiana Hayride is also where a young Elvis Presley first unleashed his rockabilly-style music on the world. Fontana joined Presley's band, playing drums on the groundbreaking "Heartbreak Hotel."
Army duty called for Elvis, putting an end to the "official" band that consisted of Fontana, Bill Black, and Scotty Moore. However, Moore and Fontana continued to work with Elvis throughout the 60s, appearing in movies and on TV specials with him.
Additionally, Fontana was an in-demand session musician. His web site lists his credits on albums by acts as diverse as Jim Reeves, Ringo Starr, and Cheap Trick. His talents earned him induction into the Rockabilly and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
Farewell to DJ Fontana, who was 87.
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