Musician. A keyboardist, he will be remembered for his tenure with the ensemble "The Electric Flag" and his lengthy association with Lou Reed. He studied at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music, prior to beginning his professional career as a member of the band Lee Jackson and the Checkmates who achieved minor success with the single "Bring It Down Front" (1967). Fanfara experienced more prominent accomplishments when he replaced keyboardist Barry Goldberg as a member of the rock, blues and psychedelic blended band "Electric Flag" (led by guitarist Michael Bloomberg) and recorded on their debut album "A Long Time Comin'" (1968). In late 1967, he joined the band "Rhinoceros" and cowrote the instrumental single "Apricot Brandy" which earned a Top 50 placing on the American Pop Charts two years later in 1969. Following a brief period with the group "Blackstone", he formed a highly successful collaboration with Lou Reed which lasted two decades beginning with the album "Sally Can't Dance" (1974). Additionally, Fonfara contributed to the band "Foreigner" on the track "Urgent" from the album "4" which achieved a number four placing on the American Pop Charts in 1981. Other associated bands include "The Lincolns" and "Downchild." He died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Musician. A keyboardist, he will be remembered for his tenure with the ensemble "The Electric Flag" and his lengthy association with Lou Reed. He studied at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music, prior to beginning his professional career as a member of the band Lee Jackson and the Checkmates who achieved minor success with the single "Bring It Down Front" (1967). Fanfara experienced more prominent accomplishments when he replaced keyboardist Barry Goldberg as a member of the rock, blues and psychedelic blended band "Electric Flag" (led by guitarist Michael Bloomberg) and recorded on their debut album "A Long Time Comin'" (1968). In late 1967, he joined the band "Rhinoceros" and cowrote the instrumental single "Apricot Brandy" which earned a Top 50 placing on the American Pop Charts two years later in 1969. Following a brief period with the group "Blackstone", he formed a highly successful collaboration with Lou Reed which lasted two decades beginning with the album "Sally Can't Dance" (1974). Additionally, Fonfara contributed to the band "Foreigner" on the track "Urgent" from the album "4" which achieved a number four placing on the American Pop Charts in 1981. Other associated bands include "The Lincolns" and "Downchild." He died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Bio by: C.S.