"On behalf of the Fountain family, I want to thank you our extended family here at the Jazz Fest," Benny Harrell, Fountain's son-in-law and longtime manager, told the crowd gathered in front of the portrait. "When I say extended family, this Jazz Fest staff is part of our family and has been for so
and his clarinet brought a lot of love and music to the world. He will greatly be missed," said Benny Harrell, Pete Fountains son-in-law and longtime manager. Fountain battled health problems in recent years, including heart surgery and a stroke, and retired from performing in April 2014. Until tNew Orleans biggest celebration Mardi Gras with his costumed jazz band walking the parade route each year (with Fountain in recent years riding at the head of the parade in a special bandwagon, his son-in-law and manager Benny Harrell at his side).
"Its a sad day for his family. And its sad to for all of New Orleans. Pete and his clarinet brought a lot of love and music to the world. He will greatly be missed. Benny Harrell, Pete Fountains son-in-law and longtime manager said.