Drummer D.J. Fontana, who backed Elvis Presley in the rock icon's early years, passed away Wednesday night. He was 87.
His son David writes on Facebook, "My Dad passed away in his sleep... He was very comfortable with no pain... We ask for privacy at this time. Thank you for your love and prayers."
Fontana, the last surviving member of Presley's original band, played with "The King" from 1954 to 1968. He can be heard on such Presley staples as "Hound Dog," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Don't Be Cruel."
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman in 2009.