I was in my 20s and although I loved music and played a couple of instruments I'd never really given the clarinet much thought. Then I saw Pete on the TV one day and I was blown away. What an effortless master. What a gift. Thank you for all your fantastic music Pete!!!
When you can play a clarinet like that, you're a legend and that is the first instrument I've ever learned and I know it by heart and I hope they live up to his legacy. I want to learn everything about it
Today Dec18, 2023 I am watching this again as well as on Antenna TV 22-4 at 10 pm weeknights. Ain’t Life Grand, and …. Still making a Difference ! Salute “Greatness in any form reaches beyond itself.” (Source unknown)
I was 15 when this aired. There's no clarinetist today that can bring this level of cool to the room. What a time to be alive. Carson before hitting the sack and just great times.
I was 17 and enjoyed Johnny -- the next year I thought myself quite grown up watching the WHOLE SHOW before taking to bed in my freshman dorm room. But I always felt Johnny and his guests were from the generation that had just headed for bed, just moved up to the corner office, just set the date for retirement. Cool, but dated. Not long after this, NBC would start Friday Night Videos following Carson to compete with USA's Up All Night and the 8,000 pound gorilla that was MTV. By then, a page had turned. The end was in sight. The next generation was firmly entrenched.
I was 15 also, and remembered this performance all these years later. Was talking with my 13 y/o daughter about the clarinet, and I searched for this performances to show her how good one can sound!
I was a clarinet player in the school band during the 70s. Pete Fountain was my idol! Can't even begin to count the hours I spent (unsuccessfully) trying to master his intonation and fingering! My parents would let me stay up late to watch Johnny Carson any time Pete was on which made his appearances even more special!
For those curious about the titles played here ..... The first number is a medley of clarinet classics: You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me/Stranger On The Shore/Don't Be That Way/Honeysuckle Rose/Way Down Yonder In New Orleans. Pete's second number is Georgia (On My Mind). ............. Late night ain't the same no more :(
a true american success story... from a very young child who could barely breathe, to the master of his craft. God bless the doctor who told his father to get him "any musical instrument he has to blow to play." can you imagine what the 20th century american music scene would have been if his father had said... "naaahhh..." thank you, mr. lafontaine. you gave us more than we could have asked for.
Pete had the inside diameter of his clarinets bored out just a few millimeters to create a slightly deeper, fatter tone. Everyone in New Orleans loved him. I never heard anyone say one bad word about him.
I've heard other people say the same. As a clarinetist myself, I just was in awe of his tone and quick range changes, so it was great to never hear terrible comments.
I've listened to and watched pete fountain since 1966 when I took my then girlfriend to see him. I can never get enough. The man is a genius with that musical stick and New Orleans style. I married the girl some 55 years ago so that I could always have a chance to catch pete fountain, a New Orleans and National Treasure of N.O. Jazz. Great man in many ways.
My dad grew up around the corner from Pete on St. Ann St. Pete would play outside a bar on the conner to the jukebox playing inside he was about 12 years old. He would tell that story all his life.
Particularly since it was the Tonight Show under Doc Severinsen. Every one of those musicians were monster players in their own right and they all knew they had the best gig on the west coast. We think Pete may have been from another planet...never heard anyone like that before him or after him. Late night bands of this caliber have disappeared completely. Thank you for posting!!
The way he goes from those deep low notes to double octave highs is amazing - he was pumping lots of air that night and stayed slightly ahead all the way through 👏👏 Bravo RIP 🙏
Apparently if Pete fountain hadn't had asthma as a kid we may not have been able to enjoy his talent. His doctor recommended he play an instrument to strengthen his lungs. I read that he tried to pull a fast one and choose drums but his dad wouldn't go for it. The rest is music history.
I have so much Pete Fountain on VHS From the tonight Show. I never will forget the 1st time The Tonight show was Broadcasted in “MTS” Or Stereo and I just bought a Fisher VCR that Recored in Stereo. I have kept all my tapes in my Closet but have not played them for year’s. I also have Numerous other artists from the tonight show, Ray Charles, Buddy Rich. Just to many to list. I also remember buying Kodak VHS Tapes because they were the BEST back then. Great Days.
I wish I had recorded Johnny Carson's shows from then. When this was broadcast I was just starting a several year stint of nightshifts. Johnny would come out and do his monologue then I had to rush to work. A Consumer Reports article on VHS tape fidelity ranked FUJI Beridox Super HG as the best in the early 80s. I still have some mint blank ones.
As a trumpet player in the marching band, i always held the squeaking, tawdry clarinet in total disdain. I always thought they sounded like Satan's Ass. But, dang, this guy can play!! Be forever, Pete.
Themes that I recognised: You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, Acker Bilk's "Stranger on the Shore", Honeysuckle Rose and; of course, Georgia on my Mind
I think Pete usually brought his own rhythm section guys with him to the Tonight Show, so that might have been Oliver "Stick" Felix on bass. I'm not sure though. The regular bass player for the Tonight Show band was Joel DiBartolo, and that doesn't like like him.
We played his LP's on our Hi-FI when I was a kid growing up in the 60's.
I was in my 20s and although I loved music and played a couple of instruments I'd never really given the clarinet much thought. Then I saw Pete on the TV one day and I was blown away. What an effortless master. What a gift. Thank you for all your fantastic music Pete!!!
Pure Beauty of sound. Nothing like a clarinet!!
Fantastic !
I so miss Johnny. I miss the band. I miss Pete Fountain. American TV has ceased to entertain
Thank God for TH-cam!!!
When you can play a clarinet like that, you're a legend and that is the first instrument I've ever learned and I know it by heart and I hope they live up to his legacy. I want to learn everything about it
Today Dec18, 2023 I am watching this again as well as on Antenna TV 22-4 at 10 pm weeknights.
Ain’t Life Grand, and …. Still making a Difference !
Salute
“Greatness in any form reaches beyond itself.”
(Source unknown)
The Master of the Ol' Licorice Stick
He sure makes a Clarinet
“Feel Appreciated “
Salute
When real music reigned.
My how I miss these days.🎼🖤
I was 15 when this aired. There's no clarinetist today that can bring this level of cool to the room. What a time to be alive. Carson before hitting the sack and just great times.
I was 17 and enjoyed Johnny -- the next year I thought myself quite grown up watching the WHOLE SHOW before taking to bed in my freshman dorm room. But I always felt Johnny and his guests were from the generation that had just headed for bed, just moved up to the corner office, just set the date for retirement. Cool, but dated. Not long after this, NBC would start Friday Night Videos following Carson to compete with USA's Up All Night and the 8,000 pound gorilla that was MTV. By then, a page had turned. The end was in sight. The next generation was firmly entrenched.
You may want to check out Doreen Ketchens a female black New Orleans clarinetist... She has a similar vibe. Lots of her on TH-cam. I was blown away.
I was 15 also, and remembered this performance all these years later. Was talking with my 13 y/o daughter about the clarinet, and I searched for this performances to show her how good one can sound!
@@OttoMatieque He’s amazing bro.
He came to Cincinnati years ago and I snuck in backstage during a break and got his autograph. He was my hero as a teen.
Huge, unmistakable talent. We are so lucky to have these vids. RIP Sir.
I was a clarinet player in the school band during the 70s. Pete Fountain was my idol! Can't even begin to count the hours I spent (unsuccessfully) trying to master his intonation and fingering! My parents would let me stay up late to watch Johnny Carson any time Pete was on which made his appearances even more special!
Me too . No other clarinet player had his sound
For those curious about the titles played here ..... The first number is a medley of clarinet classics: You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me/Stranger On The Shore/Don't Be That Way/Honeysuckle Rose/Way Down Yonder In New Orleans. Pete's second number is Georgia (On My Mind). ............. Late night ain't the same no more :(
The second track is simply called "Georgia". Thanks for your comment!
“Georgia On My Mind”. By proclamation was named the official state song of Georgia in 1979.
a true american success story... from a very young child who could barely breathe, to the master of his craft. God bless the doctor who told his father to get him "any musical instrument he has to blow to play." can you imagine what the 20th century american music scene would have been if his father had said... "naaahhh..." thank you, mr. lafontaine. you gave us more than we could have asked for.
I sure miss Pete .... When I hear Pete Fountain it just takes me home a long time ago..
Pete had the inside diameter of his clarinets bored out just a few millimeters to create a slightly deeper, fatter tone. Everyone in New Orleans loved him. I never heard anyone say one bad word about him.
I've heard other people say the same. As a clarinetist myself, I just was in awe of his tone and quick range changes, so it was great to never hear terrible comments.
Oh ty for this lil tidbit, how interesting
so smooth, so talented, so New Orleans! Miss Ya Pete.
I've listened to and watched pete fountain since 1966 when I took my then girlfriend to see him. I can never get enough. The man is a genius with that musical stick and New Orleans style. I married the girl some 55 years ago so that I could always have a chance to catch pete fountain, a New Orleans and National Treasure of N.O. Jazz. Great man in many ways.
Saw him on Bourbon Street. Fountain was brilliant.
I’d go by every year at the New Orleans jazz fest and listen to him play,, what a joy it was
This was before my clarinet playing days, but Pete was my first clarinet idol. I saw him twice in Minneapolis in the 80's and early 90s.
Fantastic!
I think he was beyond talented
I have a poster with he’s autograph , how much any offer
One of life’s great pleasures… listening to Pete Fountain. RIP!!
Omg Met Pete Fountain At Disneyland With our band El Toro Music band. I played The CLAIREMONT cuz Of Pete Fountain
Sweet music
That is beautiful. There are no adequate words. Virtuoso, master class, perfection.
Fabulous!
I was in my 20's when I saw Pete on Johnnys show that night....and immediately fell in love with that Dixieland Jazz sound......still missing you Pete
He just blew the room away with that performance. Great lighting on the stage too. Fantastic!
My dad grew up around the corner from Pete on St. Ann St. Pete would play outside a bar on the conner to the jukebox playing inside he was about 12 years old. He would tell that story all his life.
Wow. Pete Fountain backed by a band with real talent.
He is my favorite clarinet player of all time.
Miss you Pete. Will always be one of the great ones!💓
So glad this video is back up on TH-cam
If this won't lift your spirits than nothing will not even a crane.
Very good,Mikey.cheers 🍻👍
When the guys in the band are applauding you know he kicked ass 👍
Particularly since it was the Tonight Show under Doc Severinsen. Every one of those musicians were monster players in their own right and they all knew they had the best gig on the west coast.
We think Pete may have been from another planet...never heard anyone like that before him or after him. Late night bands of this caliber have disappeared completely. Thank you for posting!!
@@heatherhillrd - Yes, I totally agree with every word 👍
Wow, I’m amazed every time i listen to Pete play. He was just great! What else can you say?
Saw him on mackinaw Island (jazz festival) in the 90’s … dude is a monster.. loved watching him and Bob Snyder battle an amazing experience..
The way he goes from those deep low notes to double octave highs is amazing - he was pumping lots of air that night and stayed slightly ahead all the way through 👏👏 Bravo RIP 🙏
Apparently if Pete fountain hadn't had asthma as a kid we may not have been able to enjoy his talent. His doctor recommended he play an instrument to strengthen his lungs. I read that he tried to pull a fast one and choose drums but his dad wouldn't go for it. The rest is music history.
@@leonardwolf1820 - wow never heard that, thanks for sharing - he was awesome.
Nobody but Nobody can swing like the incomparable Pete Fountain!!!!!!
His buddy Al Hirt could.
And it's back! Woot!
Best tone out of the liqorice stick I've ever heard!
I have so much Pete Fountain on VHS From the tonight Show. I never will forget the 1st time The Tonight show was Broadcasted in “MTS”
Or Stereo and I just bought a Fisher VCR that Recored in Stereo. I have kept all my tapes in my Closet but have not played them for year’s. I also have Numerous other artists from the tonight show, Ray Charles, Buddy Rich. Just to many to list. I also remember buying Kodak VHS Tapes because they were the BEST back then. Great Days.
I wish I had recorded Johnny Carson's shows from then. When this was broadcast I was just starting a several year stint of nightshifts. Johnny would come out and do his monologue then I had to rush to work.
A Consumer Reports article on VHS tape fidelity ranked FUJI Beridox Super HG as the best in the early 80s. I still have some mint blank ones.
@james ford - Those sure were some good ol' days.
The undisputed greatest player of all time
Thank you so much! I love this video!
Great tone takes alot to play like the great pete does
A great great artist of jazz music gone way too soon
What a delight to find this! thanks so much for uploading!
Chi ha messo in pollice in giù....è un pagliaccio! Pete era un mostro! Imparate a suonare...
Thanks for sharing
As a trumpet player in the marching band, i always held the squeaking, tawdry clarinet in total disdain. I always thought they sounded like Satan's Ass.
But, dang, this guy can play!! Be forever, Pete.
Pete Fountain. Superb!!!
This video made me change from piano to clarinet in 5th... And that was a lot because of generatio of pianists...
A fricken master of that instrument.
pure class
One of the great.jazz men.
YT the crane river jazz band.
I would have loved to have heard the interview.
It’s too bad that we can’t hear this on Frenchmen Street …..
The master
Mi sembra di sentire parlare il clarinetto. Sicuramente il più GRANDE, IMMORTALE.
Best performance ever
Talent!!!
Themes that I recognised:
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me, Acker Bilk's "Stranger on the Shore", Honeysuckle Rose and; of course, Georgia on my Mind
What a King 👑
God broke the mold.
Que gran nostalgia 🥲
ahhhhhhh placer auditivo
Golden Clarinetist!
Pete was the greatest. Unbelievable talent.
Side question, who was the bassist? That guy rocks!
I think Pete usually brought his own rhythm section guys with him to the Tonight Show, so that might have been Oliver "Stick" Felix on bass. I'm not sure though. The regular bass player for the Tonight Show band was Joel DiBartolo, and that doesn't like like him.
Amen ❤
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The one and only (the first name)
Pete Fountain (the second)
Man he's play enough gold and wearing enough gold to break the bank 🏦 😅
@John Contos that’s soooo New Orleans !
cómo se llama la canción
Pete was practically friends with Doc.
Anyone have music for this?
Does anyone know the name of these tracks?
Check comment number 4
1:58
Alguien sabe cómo se llama la canción?
Interesting way to torture a reed.
Prefer Acker Bilk and Joe Crossman personally.
This guy has a Bechet soprano sax vibrato.
I'm not a musician, and never heard of Crossman. So thanks for the tip to look for him!
picky!!!
I started playing because of Ackers Strangers but this guy is in a differant class.