Remembering Justin Fontaine
• RAMP joins the rest of the industry in mourning the passing of a man who was a longtime friend to many of us — Justin Fontaine, probably best known for his lengthy run as SVP of Promotion at Hollywood Records, who died on Wed., March 30.
It was in early 1980 when a young Justin Fontaine walked into a Detroit record store and asked if they had “I Got You” by Split Enz. The manager was apparently so impressed with this kid’s musical curiosity that they hired him on the spot — and so began a successful music industry career that lasted for decades.
Fontaine’s formal industry introduction began with Capitol Records as a sales rep in Detroit, followed by local promotion stints with Mercury, Geffen Records in Kansas City and Detroit, a national position with Chaos Records and VP of Promotion at Capitol Records. That experience lead up to Fontaine’s 13-year run as SVP for Hollywood Records, where his legacy includes launching the musical careers of Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and Miley Cyrus, to name a few.
Fontaine retired from the record business in Dec. 2012 and spent the past decade continuing to chase his dream — living in Arizona, riding motorcycles across the country and Europe, and building his dream home in Montana, while also working on his golf game. Justin Fontaine never met a stranger, personally or professionally. His industry friends, whether radio or records, became a family that he would hold tightly to his heart for the rest of his life, as evidenced by these heartfelt comments:
> Bob Cavallo, former Chairman, Disney Music Group: “Justin was an important contributor to the great turnaround of the Disney Music Group. He developed a highly effective promotion staff at a very difficult time in the marketplace. I enjoyed working with him. We became great friends.”
> Mark Todd, veteran programmer: “I considered Justin one of my very best friends. But that wasn’t an anomaly among those of us he interacted with in radio. It’s interesting that while he remained in contact with his record company peers, many of his ‘after retirement friends’ were actually from radio. I think that speaks volumes about the person and how he conducted himself personally and professionally.”
> Todd Cavanah, RVP, Audacy Chicago: “Like so many of us who knew Justin, we were introduced through music, either on the radio or record side. Justin and I became great friends over the years as he would stay with me at my vacation home on Flathead Lake in Montana. A few years later, he built his retirement home there and we became neighbors. Justin was his happiest golfing, boating, riding jet skis, taking motorcycle trips and driving his Corvette around the lake. This is the Justin that I will always remember. This is a very sad day for all of us. I miss you buddy.”
> Tony Smith, VP of Promotion, Disney Music Group: “Justin and I became fast friends in Detroit in the early ’80s when we both worked for Capitol Records. I was lucky to later work with him at Mercury Records and then Hollywood Records where he hired me. What I remember most about Justin was his tenacity in everything he did and the best times we had were always on the golf course. My family loved Justin, especially my sons, who had the chance to really get to know him (the hockey talk was common with Red Wings vs. Devils). He was a very generous and caring person and had a quick wit. I will miss him greatly and always keep the memories of the good times we had together.”
> Ken Benson, Partner, P1 Media Group: “I first met Justin when I became the Program Director of WRQN/Toledo in 1990. He was the local Geffen Detroit rep at the time. I was immediately impressed by his passion for music, his integrity and his no-nonsense style. Our business relationship quickly turned into a friendship that lasted over 30 years.”
> Scott Jameson, Beasley VP of National Content & Detroit Director of Programming: “Justin was a dear friend. We met in 1986 when I was in Kansas City. We both shared our love of golf and played together often. In 1997 he was the best man at my wedding and later would visit often and hang out with our family. My young son Leo called him ‘Uncle Justin.’ This past Christmas we vacationed in Scottsdale and planned on getting together but he was traveling when we were there. I’m saddened beyond words.”
> Kelly Edwards Fontaine: “Justin was my husband for 11 years and the love of my life for 14 years. We chased his dreams throughout his retirement and there was nothing better than seeing him truly happy and thriving. Justin had the best smile, the silliest sense of humor, a sensitive heart and a passion for living life to its fullest. I’m so grateful for the years we had together and I will miss him for the rest of my days.”
Fontaine is also survived by three sisters. Memorial service arrangements are pending.
