Pete Fountain remains a celebrated figure in the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans music, renowned not only for his exceptional clarinet skills but also for his enduring presence as a nightclub proprietor. His career, marked by both critical indifference and popular success, showcases a unique journey through the landscape of American jazz and instrumental pop.
While residing in Los Angeles, Fountain cultivated a lasting relationship with Coral Records. During this period, he produced a significant body of work for the label. These albums leaned more towards accessible instrumental pop melodies than the improvisational depths of traditional jazz. Although critics often remained unconvinced by this stylistic direction, his recordings resonated with a wide audience, translating into robust sales figures.
In 1960, Pete Fountain made a pivotal return to his beloved New Orleans, a city deeply intertwined with his musical identity. This homecoming marked a new chapter as he ventured into club ownership, acquiring the French Quarter Inn. This intimate venue became the stage for Fountain’s regular performances with a small ensemble, solidifying his presence in the local music scene. Eight years later, his ambition led to the opening of a larger establishment on the iconic Bourbon Street, aptly named Pete’s Place. This club further cemented his status as a key figure in New Orleans nightlife. In 1977, Pete’s Place relocated to the New Orleans Hilton, now known as the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, maintaining its operation until 2003. The decision to close was a reluctant one, driven by the significant downturn in tourism following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“I needed a change. I didn’t want it, but I needed it,” Fountain candidly admitted to The Advocate, a Baton Rouge newspaper, reflecting on the closure of his renowned club. Despite this significant change, his passion for performance remained undiminished. “It’s been a real good ride, and we’ve still got a lot of riding to do,” he affirmed, highlighting his characteristic optimism and resilience. True to his word, Fountain continued to engage with his audience, performing regularly at a casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, for many years following the closure of Pete’s Place.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 presented immense personal and professional challenges for Pete Fountain. The storm inflicted considerable damage, tearing the roof from his New Orleans residence and completely destroying his second home in Bay St. Louis. The majority of his personal possessions were lost in the disaster. The ensuing period was marked by instability and displacement, with Fountain estimating that he moved residences eight times in the subsequent year and a half as he navigated the aftermath of the hurricane.
Adding to these hardships, Pete Fountain was hospitalized shortly after Hurricane Katrina. He reported experiencing dizziness and other concerning symptoms. While extensive medical evaluations revealed no underlying physical ailments, Fountain himself attributed his condition to the emotional toll of the disaster, acknowledging “depression about all the stuff that happened” in a statement to The Associated Press.
Pete Fountain’s personal struggles and artistic journey underscore the life of a dedicated musician and entrepreneur deeply rooted in New Orleans culture. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; a daughter, Darah Fountain Harrell; two sons, Kevin and Jeffery; a sister, Del Materne, six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of jazz and instrumental music.
