Pete Fountain was a great jokester, storyteller, family man but most of all the great Jazzman of the New Orleans sound. I had the honor of creating Pete’s statue. He was a gracious man with a great sense of humor. I sculptured his portrait which later became a bronze statue now in New Orleans Musical Legends Park, on Bourbon Street. Pete had a huge following. He had numerous gold records and was greatly respected by his fellow musicians. I don’t think I ever heard anyone say a bad word about Pete. I especially liked Pete’s stories. He had a million of them. He loved Al Hirt too. The two made great music together and were often the Saints half time show. Katrina was hard on Pete. His fabulous home at Bay Saint Louis was completely destroyed.

I will always remember Pete’s kind and gracious hospitality that ate fabulous dinners made by his lovely wife Beverly. He was a great showman and entertainer. He was fun to be with.