Floyd Jones facts for kids

Floyd Jones (born July 21, 1917 – died December 19, 1989) was an amazing African-American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was one of the first musicians to record electric blues in Chicago after World War II. Many of his songs are now considered classic examples of Chicago blues music.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Floyd Jones was born in Marianna, Arkansas. He started playing guitar seriously after Howlin' Wolf gave him one. In the 1930s and early 1940s, he traveled around Arkansas and Mississippi. He played music wherever he could find an audience. In 1945, he moved to Chicago to settle down.

Playing Music in Chicago

In Chicago, Floyd Jones started playing the electric guitar. He became part of a group of musicians who played on Maxwell Street. They also performed in other places that didn't require special permits. This group was very important in creating the sound of postwar Chicago blues.

Other musicians in this group included Little Walter and Jimmy Rogers. Both of them later became key members of the famous Muddy Waters band. Snooky Pryor, Jones's cousin Moody Jones, and the mandolin player Johnny Young were also part of this exciting music scene.

Floyd Jones's Recordings

Floyd Jones had his first recording session in 1947. He played with Snooky Pryor on harmonica and his cousin Moody Jones on guitar. They recorded two songs, "Stockyard Blues" and "Keep What You Got." These songs were released by the Marvel record label. They are some of the earliest examples of the new electric blues style.

In 1949, he had another recording session. This led to a release on the Tempo-Tone label. During the 1950s, Jones's music was released by several record companies. These included JOB, Chess, and Vee-Jay. In 1966, he recorded for the Testament label. He shared this recording session with singer and guitarist Eddie Taylor.

Some of his songs talked about important topics like money or society. This was unusual for blues artists at the time. Songs like "Stockyard Blues" mentioned a strike at the Union Stock Yards. Other songs were called "Hard Times" and "Schooldays." His song "On the Road Again" became a top 10 hit for the band Canned Heat in 1968.

Later Career and Passing

Floyd Jones kept performing in Chicago for the rest of his life. However, he didn't get many more chances to record new music. An album called Old Friends Together for the First Time was released in 1981. It featured Jones along with David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, and Kansas City Red.

On this album, Jones sang and played lead guitar on "Mr. Freddy Blues." He also sang on "Banty Rooster." Later in his career, the electric bass became his main instrument.

Floyd Jones passed away in Chicago on December 19, 1989. He was buried at Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens in Willow Springs, Illinois.