How to Play Drums on Hound Dog by Elvis Presley with D.J. Fontana

[@lynnelovett8999]

Thank you Mr. DJ Fontana for backing Elvis and all the awesome music. Like Elvis you are missed. RIP Mr. DJ.

[@deborahbeech3715]

My dad was in the Korean war with DJ. My dad said he was a "regular" guy. They stayed in touch and would meet up at army reunions. My mother got a picture of my dad and DJ at Graceland back in the day when you had camera film developed. My mom made copies, mailed them to DJ and he autographed them for my daughters, all Elvis fans and mailed them back. Pretty cool,I think

[@nicholasevennett8231]

Awesome

[@jimdep6542]

VERY cool ! Those are some pictures to stay in your family. What a keep-sake.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

SO DAMN WONDERFUL Thank you Sir All, Scotty Moore Bill Black and DJ Fontana are legends

[@stlrockn]

I live just out side of Nashville. The last couple of years of DJ's life I would run into him and his wife shopping at the local Walmart (really!) Nobody recognized him except me. I would always go up and speak to him and thank him for all of the great music. He was a nice man and was really friendly to the fans. I had my picture made with him and Scotty Moore when they were inducted into The Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. I cherish that pic.

[@BongoBill]

And?

[@Angela-vy5ok]

That was so great to see him play that. All these guys who didn’t want to go to Vegas because they didn’t like it, lived a long time after Elvis. Elvis did have health problems but the lifestyle and his great fame was a huge trap for him. God bless all of them now. What a concert heaven has

[@rhythmista7707]

Literally, the first rock drummer on tv, ever...,

[@cut1986]

Really Cool. Not really that long ago. Legendary.

[@MrFchank]

Very awesome to hear this story. What a great thing to hear Fontana tell this!!

[@Patriot751]

No training, just talent. Elvis must of loved this guy, solid, dependable and made Elvis shine !

[@woody816]

Elvis Possibly had the greatest band ever. RIP DJ u have given many of us mere mortals plenty of joy and will continue to do so, long after my generation is dead and gone.

[@cut1986]

Your right. Early and late. Hard to replace the beginning tho.

[@jgc4818]

RIP D.J. Fontana, you will be missed. An essential part of Elvis’ Greatest Work, who could forget the ‘machine gun’ drums in Hound Dog.

[@VeillonBusinessConsu]

I had a cousin who met Elvis in the Army way back. He said he was nice and a good soldier. God Bless Elvis.

[@drumwithjay7022]

I love the triplet imperfections! it literally gave me goose bumps when he played them! it's just "old school" charm that makes it so special!

[@tommyboo21]

The drumming made to sound so easy here yet so crazed on the 1956 record. The band is now complete and reformed on the other side. Thanks for the music influence you all left behind for the world. Bill Black, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, and Elvis Presley.

[@HuntChicagoHomes]

keeping this kind of groove steady the whole song is in no way easy

[@cmt8485]

@@HuntChicagoHomes it kinda is man... it's still iconic, but so easy, the two aren't always the same thing

[@ralphfurley123]

Great interview!!! Mr. Fontana, May you Rest In Peace!!! ☮️🖖🏽

[@randyporter3491]

Saw D.J. and the original Jordanaires, with Ronnie MeDowell a couple of times. My dad was a friend of Ronnie's and is in the Rockabilly HOF, was asked up on stage to perform with them. I remember he said he was in the company of greatness. DJ is a true legend and this was a great video.

[@Sarasdad91]

Every Rock n Roll Drummer knows who this guy is. He was the inspiration to many of them. DJ Fontana. Officially TVs first Rock n Roll drummer. R.I.P. DJ.

[@lunarmodule6419]

I would listen to this guy for hours!

[@genebrenner855]

The original Elvis' "Hound Dog" recording still sounds revolutionary today.

[@Fakename70]

Remember, kids, before there was John, Paul, George and Ringo, there was Bill Black, Scotty Moore, Mr. D.J. Fontana, and their singer.

[@lt.frankdrebin3317]

I attribute rock'n roll to Elvis. The Beatles came onto the scene as a boy band - way overrated.

[@Fakename70]

@@lt.frankdrebin3317 Surely everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, I’m thinking “Rock and Roll” started more with Chuck Berry than Elvis Presley. And, again, Elvis was nothing without his backing band.

[@mikepellegrini9381]

And there singer lol

[@mikepellegrini9381]

@@lt.frankdrebin3317 Beatles were great, Elvis was great

[@mikepellegrini9381]

@@Fakename70 Elvis could sing n play n was good,better with his band,,,,he was the magic and Scotty was great

[@MrDavesf]

What a great guy and terrific musician. Thanks DJ and rest in peace.

[@thomasmoje5926]

Ah yes simple straightforward drumming..deceptively simple it's all in the feel. No extra fluff tossed in just keeping that groove going exactly what the tune called for. Timeless tune and timeless drumming. Nice. RIP DJ Fontana.

[@justdea5757]

Great video! So sad to hear of DJ's passing today! My deepest sympathy to the Fontana family. RIP DJ... you are a great legend in your own right!

[@joannemcclure3546]

I've always loved DJ's interviews, he's so genuine and he really knew Elvis' moves.

[@joesmith34]

@Jianne Mcclure I like Ronnie Tutt

[@Ticonderous1]

What a freaking awesomely cool guy ...may you rest in peace brother .. and be jamming with The King wherever you are now ..

[@nikolayyanev9148]

DJ FONTANA is good guy but.... Yeah Elvis Presley (the karaoke singer) is the "King" but Chuck Berry is the Godfather

[@Bikewithlove]

I like how his triplets aren’t ‘perfect,’ and how his volume and rhythm ‘breathe.’ I also like and respect the way he’s not exerting any force, that it’s all in the wrist. I’d love to be in a room with him jamming on a guitar while kept a beat. It’s no wonder Elvis picked him - I bet Elvis felt like he won the lottery when he met DJ.

[@paulthompson6284]

Precisely how drumming ought to be done: smooth and effortless.

[@bradc32]

real soft bass drum too.lots to learn from with the old drummers

[@kellysmith8809]

Im a blues musician bass player I would kill to have a drummer like DJ.Fontana.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

What a great guy, showing us and talking about some great times. God bless him.

[@robinbittel9420]

He’s one of my favorite people.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

@@robinbittel9420 I can understand that, no airs, just a down to earth very humble man.

[@goldenera4ever]

I love watching talented people showcase their craft. Another legend lost. RIP Mr. Fontana.

[@0Imtheslime0]

Did not know he died.. Few deserves legendary status, but Fontana lived to tell the stories and played drums on the the most popular records of his time with Elvis. Rest in swing...

[@joe6096]

When you really think about the pioneers of rock n roll, these guys came from just regular old towns and regular families. They weren't rich, they weren't "highly educated", and they certainly did not set out to create anything specific or to revolutionize the world. They were just regular guys who liked music and came together putting what they'd learned and liked from the old big band and country/western and rhythm and blues music they grew up on in the 1930s and 40s. They really had no idea they were starting something huge, something revolutionary, something historic. Just a couple of good old boys jamming away on music they felt good playing and liked playing. Just having fun. For all that rock n roll has become over the years, over-dramatic artists and big business and pressure to create the greatest song ever written, with so many artists hooked on drugs and alcohol, it's beginnings were pretty honest, humble and simple, and DJ Fontana was part of it.

[@davidg1612]

Some of the greatest modern music milestones weren't designed to happen. They just happened naturally, mostly due to experimental aspirations.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

Well documented. It is that I believe also. I just wished Elvis had stood up for his band against Col Tom Parker. Disappointed actually when you realize Elvis took care of strangers and acquaintances with financial aid. Scott and Bill and DJ just asked for a raise? Jesus... they deserve it

[@mrbouncelol]

Nice sentiments, but Elvis was a manufactured artist and died from drugs and alcohol, so not the right place to make a point

[@joe6096]

@@mrbouncelol He did not drink, so that proves you have no idea what you are talking about. GFY.

[@DavidLeBlanc]

Sorry to hear he passed away a couple of days ago. Remember seeing him play with Elvis and his other band mates in a jam seession at Elvis' house. D.J. drummed on a guitar case using brushes only. Simple and brilliant.

[@stephensage1258]

The legends DJ Fontana and Ronnie Tutt creating thunder together in heaven, when you have the next thunderstorm you will think of them thrashing it out.

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Elvis Band & Backing Singers all made the Magnificent Sound With Elvis up front with his unbelievable voice a perfect partnership & Elvis knew that & loved his band as family. Appreciate the music & Memories.

[@michaelshrader4447]

Such a wonderful part of rock history! Thanks.

[@jasonread5017]

This drummer makes it look easy a bit like the drummer from Stevie Ray Vaughan .They both play simple but what they play is very very sophisticated and intentional . You drummers out there = this is classy drumming .

[@cukuceral]

Just a dotted eighth note swing, it's not really that complicated. I found his diddles very interesting though.

[@jasonread5017]

@@cukuceral In deed but the feel is every thing .Nothing is simple I feel . It has to feel wright .

[@markblack1163]

Because it is a simple beat.

[@MikeNewland]

Yes indeed SRV's drummer could make a few notes sound like he'd played a lot from the musical impact. Genius.

[@jamesmartin8232]

R.I.P. DJ Fontana. One of the great original rock n roll drummers. 🥁

[@graceeind]

DJ kept the beat for many of us for many years - RIP DJ.

[@caseywebb410]

Just in case anyone else came here for the "How to Play" portion, described in the title, it doesn't start until the 11:21 mark.

[@herberthallum2078]

I grew up listening to Elvis and many others from the 50s. Oh to go back and relive them times would be heavenly.

[@Straightupshooter]

What a humble, great guy. Glad I saw this.

[@scottgorham3809]

This man was the real thing.

[@hananshells8055]

Yes, these were the real musicians and we try to imitate them even today because they were so good ! May his soul Rest in Peace, Amen

[@yourdrummer2034]

To me D.J. is the king of rockabilly drums. The inventor if you will..

[@simonperry8569]

Been playing drums for 35 years and never been able to nail hound dog and get it to groove. After watching this, realised that trying to sync the bass drum with the bass guitar pattern was my mistake, instead of playing it straight. And just playing one hi-hat stroke on the first bar instead of the swing pattern is so simple but makes it groove. Sheer simplicity but utterly perfect. Love DJ Fontana. Check out his playing in the '68 comeback special. He's playing on a guitar case!

[@Monsterdrumma]

Simon Perry plus at least when I have had to cover this after the ain't no friend of mine roll I always came back in with two snare ups. DJ comes back in with what sounds like and almost rushed single snare hit which is very cool and slightly tricky. Great drummer!

[@kitbailey6054]

@@Monsterdrumma Back beat on snare pushes ahead and the bass drum lags, to my ears. How can that be so perfect for the song and style?!

[@HelloooThere]

Practice your paradiddles as a ragtime beat and then take out the accents to turn it into triplets (before “ you ain’t nit hung but a hand dog “ He didn’t say it here but that’s the secret. You’ll get it quickly.

[@listentothenightfilms]

Rockabilly to the goddamn bone. Eternal legend.

[@Davi-ep9pw]

I met, knew and recorded my debut single "When you Coming Home" and follow up single "Magic In Your Eyes" on Eagle International Records in Nashville. DJ Fontana on drums of course and The Jordanaires on backup vocals ...What professionals they were and made my part recording with riock history a breeze and so much fun. Making a record with Elvis Presley's drummer and The Jordanaires was like rock heaven... I still pinch myself till this day! RIP DJ Fontana 🙏 thanks for the memories my friend 🎶🎶🎶

[@bradleymitchell3808]

Nice shameless plug

[@Davi-ep9pw]

@S Tra I'm not on f you.. Read the whole comment before you act a not so smart. Wrote this in a hurry...plus I didn't think you would notice...read to the end!

[@davidcurtis4478]

Awesome! Long live Elvis and DJ, 🎶🥁😎DC

[@peterbeulke8082]

One of the true greats, fantastic

[@samuellancaster3789]

DJ Fontaine you inspire me to play drums thank you very much now I've been doing it 40 some odd years rest in peace my friend

[@bohergoy]

RIP Sir. What a cool guy. Amazing drummer and man.

[@adrianlyord3978]

You Made History with The King of Rock and Roll! RIP.

[@biffsmallberries5344]

He's still got those loose, nifty wrists and hands - from a lifetime of working the kit with The King. What grand memories those would be.

[@camillabarclay4049]

Wow this is great something real that we can touch his actual performance ☺️

[@chezchezchezchez]

Very cool. RIP Fontana! Cool song to learn!

[@skiptrace1888]

Hats off to a great pathfinder for us to follow! Played during a time when simplicity was the goal and "bass drums made him nervous" Wow! Such a ground breaker in percusion! :-)))))

[@anta40]

Guess DJ was never interested in crafting drum solos? On the other side, jazz drummers like Louie Bellson made their double bass drums "sing"

[@ozzysteev]

Great story teller. Pleasure to meet you in Sydney in the 90's. RIP great man.

[@stevepethel6843]

Wow I love this D.J. Fontana and the honesty of his life.

[@firstlastname3865]

The man in this video created music that was instantly zapped into the consciousness of American culture. Where would pop culture be if not for Elvis' sublime "Hound Dog"

[@yalebaker7976]

What a great band. Those dudes were pros.

[@prismblue8514]

An open letter to D.J. Fontana--- Dear Mr. D.J. Fontana, As a musician, I would like to say---- Thank you, sir. Prism Blue

[@jaymeramirez7435]

Legend. I love his personality. Just a humble man who plays an instrument

[@anaslifeandtimes9569]

I’ll tell ya a second hand story about Elvis. A guy i worked with was stationed in Texas in the Army. Drove the captains jeep. Went to town and on the way back came across a GI on foot, gave him a ride into the post. It was Elvis- Bob said he was a regular guy and thanked him for the ride into post.

[@dougsharp605]

I'm a carpenter and I worked with an old carpenter named Trevor Bauman... Told me the exact same story

[@dougsharp605]

Except that he was in Germany

[@hugobrussel4964]

A very big musician in the r & r history! That's all right D.J.

[@fess04]

that was sweet! the right feel , the right sound!!! max love and respect DJ , always an inspiration on how to swing , how to drive the tune and get that magic touch on the thing. respect.

[@elviskarlqvist6151]

Rest in peace, D.J. It was nice meeting you in 1992. ❤❤

[@michaelpark5681]

He doesn't remember you.

[@russellcrawford7453]

He's not dead, is he?

[@RobertHampton747]

1992 was when I met D.J. Fontana. He played in my studio session duet with Johnny PayCheck called "I Love My Jesus", the last gospel recording PayCheck ever did. I was introduced to Mr. Fontana but didn't know who he was. They said "We couldn't get the drummer we wanted so we got this guy off the street." And they all laughed including Fontana. I thought great! Their going to ruin my session. He did great and then my manager informed me after the session that he was Presley's drummer. Crazy story. Rest in peace Mr. D.J. Fontana and thank you for your part in "Robert Hampton and Johnny PayChecks I Love My Jesus"

[@mohddalibinzali1165]

@@michaelpark5681 dont be rude. Please get peace in life. Black heart not good at all

[@michaelpark5681]

@@mohddalibinzali1165 Responding to a 3 year old comment? I'd say, don't be so strung up. Frayed nerves not good at all.

[@truckeemick2486]

the kiss principle in full effect. thanks for a lifetime of sounds n songs. RIP Dom.

[@bpivr]

Elvis brought the drummer out from behind the curtain...and that’s when Rock and Roll happened.

[@superduper3728]

Gene Krupa brought himself into the spotlight out from behind the curtain . That's when the audience woke up & payed attention to the drummer in all musical venues. Nice try though...

[@bpivr]

Wow. The interview didn't even mention Krupa being on the Louisiana Hayride tour. Thanks for the info!

[@ytubepuppy]

@WhoDarestheMAN gamer Oh Jeeeeez, I grew up in the 1950s and didn't know R&R wasn't popular until 1963. I'll bet Elvis with his 10 #1 songs in two years (1955 & 56), Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Danny & the Juniors, Del Shannon, The Marvelettes, The Shirelles, and several dozen other R&R pioneers that you've probably never heard of might disagree. BTW, nice collection of drummers on your profile picture. I've been playing since 1961. You might try some Joe Morello, Louie Bellson, Dave Weckl, Thomas Lang, and of course Buddy Rich to add a bit of variety. :-)

[@ytubepuppy]

@WhoDarestheMAN gamer FYI, my generation basically invented gaming. It was designed to keep the mental midgets occupied while we did important things.

[@carlosalbertogomez1391]

Wrong!!little richard did it first when started to say to the great earl palmer to go faster and make more noise

[@nikolayyanev5222]

RIP DJ FONTANA Thank you for the great music

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

that demo at the end was fantastic

[@keithkench9432]

Good old fashion no frills drumming, brilliant, full respect.

[@williamweiss6128]

Great to hear these old stories about the legends.

[@LadyOaksNZ]

What a lovely guy... all them southern fellas are gentlemen. ❤❤❤

[@phuzbrain]

One of the best... Like Ringo, DJ played the song.

[@Neeko_Z]

That ride cymbal sounds great. Also noticed about what he said about bass drums?

[@dynjarren8355]

Good Interview and that’s his real hair. Not a toupee. He played drums behind Elvis in the early days when he was wild on stage. They were the original rock quartet. Elvis on Vocals and acoustic guitar. Scotty Moore on Electric guitar, Bill Black on Upright Bass and DJ Fontana on drums. They started what became a revolution in music. RIP

[@hollywoodjoe123]

GOD BLESS D.J. FONTANA FOREVER -

[@stefanpaparo6729]

"Till Elvis came on"... he changed rock and roll in many ways

[@madcri]

RIP DJ Fontana,

[@mvdh877]

RIP DJ Fontana...now Elvis and his band are together again and rock and roll in heaven

[@davidburkholder7360]

No they are not. But they are all alive.

[@mvdh877]

@@davidburkholder7360 all alive?? in your dreams i guess dj fontana is dead,,,,ronnie tutt is dead...scotty moore is dead.......

[@davidburkholder7360]

@@mvdh877 I think you mean their bodies. I meant where "they" go next. When YOU cross a street does the body move YOU or do YOU move the body. If YOU don't understand this then place your hand on a counter in front of YOU and try to move it without deciding. YOU are the prime mover unmoved and just because YOU may not understand this does not mean we are all in the dark. Good luck.

[@kazfleszar5899]

there will be something better than rock and roll in heaven, that will mean nothing to them.

[@jukesjointOG]

Ronnie Tutt as well... :(

[@trevorclarey3336]

I love these stories.

[@SuperCyril2]

No trash playing here just solid and to the point drumming

[@ottish3015]

Back in those days, a lot of major or breaking artist didn’t have a band. Instead they would bring in trained locals to sit in. My uncle was one of those few. He would play guitar for Elvis whenever he played in Tulsa.

[@dorling91]

RIP D.J fab drummer! You’ll always be remembered.

[@하이루리요-m1g]

You are the legend, Mr.Fontana. R.I.P.

[@randypenn8763]

I saw him in Hagerstown about ten years back. He had some good Elvis stories like the time Elvis gave him a big diamond ring

[@scottkinsey4392]

Great stuff ! Thank you for loading this 🙏❤️

[@jimflys2]

Great! Now I understand much better early rock and country drumming and why songs don't sound right with a heavy kick drum in the mix. As a kid playing really old Hand tunes and Elvis tunes in a wedding band, it always seemed weird to play my bass drum much. Being a jazz guy from the beginning it was also a no, no to have too much kick except for accents. Now hearing the original guy talk about it, it makes so much sense. It was not just the mix being low, it was left out or feathered. I learn every day. So cool.

[@waynedoyle5584]

just amazing....folks your watching one of the " game changes " at work .....beautiful

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

RIP DJ thanks for the music brother ✊

[@gman2013]

Rest in peace Mr. Fontana, condolences to your family and friends!

[@timothyblackburn6801]

RIP to our Rock n Roll Legends.

[@edspengeman6781]

Big part of history.

[@tomkirvin4571]

Wow! An original from whom we all learned.

[@tennwilcox8663]

Thank you sir for sharing.

[@tonvandenhurk7760]

I am Rolling Stones fan. And Elvis is for me Elvis and the blue moon boys. Epic them.

[@dhaley8847]

I wish they would have let DJ use a drum on the 68 come back special! How do you have DJ Fontana right there on the stage and make him use a guitar case as a drum? that was crazy!

[@ganzyjam7828]

I was born in 1966 it was a time filled with musical wonders like no other. The music coming at me during these decades of my life were undeniable. The sad part is I’m at the age now where I’m seeing all the greats passing away one after another 😢

[@brianhaining7195]

So interesting, DJ's memories of the early years and how he almost joined the band by chance. He talks very fondly about those times and about Elvis, Scotty and Bill. I wonder if it's only when he looks back he realises what an impact Elvis had. I also found that when he demonstrated his Hound Dog drumming he made it seem so simple but on the record it appeared loud and really drove the record along. Hteat stuff

[@Northeagle66]

" I don't like bass drum anyhow " LOL ... As simple as it is, this video is amazingly important to understand the history or rock and roll. Directly from the horse's mouth. RIP Mr Fontana.

[@don4476]

This is great! Such history.

[@coolbro6969]

so simple. what a god.

[@goseeaboutagirl]

Rock solid time! All about the groove

[@alexbizz]

End of an Era. RIP DJ Fontana.