Beloved drummer to the legendary Elvis Presley, D.J. Fontanta (Dominic Joseph), is dead at 87, as reported by The Tennessean.
The musician’s son, David Fontana, shared with the online publication that his father had ”passed away in his sleep” Wednesday (June 13) evening at 9:33 p.m..
While Fontana worked with a number of A-list of musicians including Ringo Star and Red Savine, the iconic drummer most famously worked behind Presley from 1954 to 1968. Fontana is featured on upwards of 460 of The King’s recordings, including classics ”Jailhouse Rock” as well as ”Heartbreak Hotel.”
Fontana was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 15, 1931, the musician teaching himself to play the drums by listening to ‘big band records.’ The drummer met Presley at The Hayride back in 1954, the drummer asked to join The King on tour shortly after.
Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers the family’s way during this difficult time.