Calvin "Fuzz" Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Calvin "Fuzz" Jones
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Jones in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers
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| Background information | |
| Born | June 9, 1926 Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | August 9, 2010 (aged 84) Southaven, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Genres | Electric blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1960s–2000s |
Calvin "Fuzz" Jones (born June 9, 1926 – died August 9, 2010) was an amazing American electric blues musician. He was known for playing the bass guitar and singing. Fuzz Jones played with many famous blues artists. These included Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and James Cotton. He also worked with the Legendary Blues Band and Mississippi Heat.
Fuzz Jones also helped create the 1996 album Eye to Eye. Other great musicians like Pinetop Perkins and Ronnie Earl were on this album too.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Journey
Calvin Jones was born in Greenwood, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm nearby. As a child, he learned to play the violin. He also played the acoustic bass. Later, he switched to the electric bass guitar. This became his main instrument.
Playing with Muddy Waters
In 1970, Fuzz Jones joined the band of Muddy Waters. Muddy Waters was a very famous blues musician. Fuzz played with his group for ten years, until 1980. He played on several of Muddy Waters' albums. These included They Call Me Muddy Waters (1971) and King Bee (1981).
People knew Fuzz for his strong electric bass playing. He also had a great stage presence. He was known for his deep blues singing. Plus, he always had a friendly laugh and smile for everyone.
The Blues Brothers and Beyond
In 1980, Fuzz Jones appeared in the movie The Blues Brothers. He played the bassist in a blues band in the film. The band was shown on Maxwell Street, Chicago.
That same year, Fuzz and other musicians from Muddy Waters' band started a new group. They called themselves the Legendary Blues Band. This band recorded seven albums. Fuzz played bass and sometimes sang on these albums. The group stayed together until 1993.
Fuzz Jones also recorded with Mississippi Heat. He played on their first album, Straight from the Heart (1993). He played bass guitar and was the lead singer on one song. This song was called "Ruby Mae." It was written for Fuzz's wife. He also performed at the Long Beach Blues Festival that year.
Later Years and Other Bands
Fuzz Jones also played with other tribute bands. These included the Muddy Waters Tribute Band. He also played with the Howlin' Wolf Tribute Band. In 1999, Fuzz played on Barrelhouse Chuck's first album. It was called Salute to Sunnyland Slim. He also played bass for Cassandra Wilson on her 2003 album, Glamoured.
In his later years, Fuzz Jones lived in Senatobia, Mississippi. He passed away in Southaven, Mississippi, in August 2010. He was 84 years old.
Albums Fuzz Jones Played On
Collaboration Albums
| Year | Title | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Eye to Eye | Audioquest Records |
With Muddy Waters
Fuzz Jones played on many albums with Muddy Waters, including:
- They Call Me Muddy Waters (1971)
- Muddy "Mississippi" Waters – Live (1979)
- King Bee (1981)
See also
- List of electric blues musicians
