September 3, 1985, New York City, New York, United States
Fact
Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1990.
Jo Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 7, 1911. His parents were John and Mattie Jones. He had two brothers, John Jr. and George. His early education was in the Chicago public schools. He began playing drums in high school and soon became proficient. He played in local clubs and dance bands while still in his teens.
In 1929, he moved to New York City and began playing with various small groups. He soon made a name for himself and began working with some of the top names in jazz, including Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Ben Webster. He became a member of Count Basie’s band in 1934 and remained with him for over 20 years. He was one of the most recorded drummers of his era and appeared on hundreds of recordings.
Jones was known for his light touch and his ability to swing a band. He was also known for his showmanship, which included playing with his hands and using drumsticks that were unusually long for him. He appeared in several films, including “The Benny Goodman Story” (1956) and “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” (1960).
Jones continued to play until shortly before his death from cancer on September 3, 1985, in New York City. He was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1965 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
General Info
Full Name
Jo Jones
Died
September 3, 1985, New York City, New York, United States
Weight
93 kg
Profession
Actor, Drummer, Musician, It Was a Verry Good Year, Hay Burner, Jumpin' at the Woodside
Nationality
American
Accomplishments
Music Groups
Count Basie Orchestra, Kansas City Six, Oklahoma City Blue Devils, It Was a Verry Good Year, Hay Burner, Jumpin' at the Woodside