Guide to the Carl Fontana Manuscript Collection
by Jonathan Rhodes Lee
This collection contains manuscript scores and parts for fifty-one tunes performed and recorded by Carl Fontana (1928–2003). A staple musician in Las Vegas for decades, Fontana enjoyed a reputation as one of the most influential jazz trombone players, particularly renowned for his soloing skills. Prior to settling in Las Vegas, Fontana performed in the bands of Woody Herman, Lional Hampton, and Stan Kenton in the 1950s. In Las Vegas, he appeared with Paul Anka, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Wayne Newton, and the Benny Goodman Orchestra.
UNLV’s collection contains manuscripts of original arrangements used by Fontana in both performances and recordings, including The Great Fontana, It’s Tru, and others.
Access to Materials
Use the Guide to the Collection at this link to view a master index of the contents.
Access to physical materials may be arranged by contacting the Shaw Center.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials may be examined on site at UNLV, which owns the tangible assets of the collection.
Administrative information
Collection accepted: Kenneth Hanlon (2017)
Cataloged, annotated, published: Jonathan Rhodes Lee (2024); assisted by Nicholas Schantz
