Musician. He was best known for his work with American rock music icon Elvis Presley. Influenced by Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, he learned to play the drums while in high school and broke into the industry on the TV series "Louisiana Hayride." He performed along with Elvis Presley on the 1956 historic episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show" and over the next several years, he contributed musically to such hits as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock." When Presley made his comeback, Fontana performed with him on the TV special "Elvis" (1968). During the 1970s, he became a busy sessions drummer for such artists as Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton and Charley Pride. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Sideman category in 2009.
Musician. He was best known for his work with American rock music icon Elvis Presley. Influenced by Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, he learned to play the drums while in high school and broke into the industry on the TV series "Louisiana Hayride." He performed along with Elvis Presley on the 1956 historic episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show" and over the next several years, he contributed musically to such hits as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock." When Presley made his comeback, Fontana performed with him on the TV special "Elvis" (1968). During the 1970s, he became a busy sessions drummer for such artists as Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton and Charley Pride. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Sideman category in 2009.
Bio by: C.S.
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