D j fontana biography

  • d j fontana biography

    • D. J. Fontana

    American drummer (1931–2018)

    D. J. Fontana

    Fontana in 2012

    Birth nameDominic Joseph Fontana
    Born(1931-03-15)March 15, 1931
    Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
    DiedJune 13, 2018(2018-06-13) (aged 87)
    Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
    GenresRock and roll, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, country
    OccupationDrummer
    Years activeEarly 1950s – 2018
    Formerly ofThe Blue Moon Boys

    Musical artist

    Dominic Joseph Fontana (March 15, 1931 – June 13, 2018) was an American musician best known as the drummer for Elvis Presley for 14 years. In 1955, he was hired to play drums for Presley, which marked the beginning of a 15-year relationship. He played on over 460 RCA recordings with Elvis.

    Career

    After serving in Korea with the U.S. Army, Fontana (nicknamed "D.J.") was employed by the Louisiana Hayride to be an in-house drummer on its Saturday night radio broadcast.

    Fontana joined a band (originally assembled by Sam Phillips)