D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley’s drummer from 1954-1968, has died in his sleep in Nashville. He was 87 years old, the last of the original members of Presley’s band.
Fontana’s energy, power, and excitement were key contributors to Elvis’ unique sound—together, they recorded more than 400 sides for RCA, including hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Don’t be Cruel” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
Beginning in his hometown Shreveport, LA high school marching band, Fontana studied the structure and style of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and the Dorsey Brothers, later playing with western swing bands, and as the house drummer for the famed Louisiana Hayride, where he first met, and played with, Elvis.
After Elvis’ death, Fontana continued to record, primarily as a Nashville session musician, and in 1999, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.