George Jones (radio presenter) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Jones
Occupation	Musician, radio and TV personality

George Jones was born in 1941 in Bloomfield, East Belfast. He is a talented musician and was a popular radio and TV personality from Belfast, Northern Ireland. George became famous during the "showband" era in Northern Ireland. Showbands were groups that played many different types of music, often for dancing. George is also one of the people who started the well-known showband called Clubsound.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

George Jones grew up in Greenville Street in the Bloomfield area of east Belfast. He went to Elmgrove Primary School. His father was from Scarva, and his mother's family had Scottish roots. George has a sister named Lally. He says she was a big reason why he loved music and started playing.

Music Career Highlights

When George was a teenager, he joined a band called the Monarchs. His childhood friend, Van Morrison, was also in this band. The Monarchs traveled around Europe for three months. They were known as the International Monarchs during their tour. After returning to Belfast, the band broke up. George then decided to try comedy and music together. He formed the very popular band Clubsound, which became famous for its fun shows.

A Voice on the Radio

George Jones first started working in radio with a Sunday show on Downtown Radio. Later, he joined BBC Northern Ireland. He even had his own show called Just Jones on Radio Ulster. This show was very popular and won him a special award called a Sony Radio Academy Award. He won it for being the best local radio presenter.

George presented Just Jones for twenty-one years! His last show on BBC Radio Ulster was on June 30, 2006. After leaving the BBC, George continued his radio career. He started presenting on Sunday mornings for U105. By January 2007, he had his own daily afternoon show on the same station. He also hosted Sunday Sizzler on U105 until early 2012.

George then went back to Downtown Radio. He hosted their Drivetime show and later a mid-afternoon daily show. His last show on Downtown Radio was on March 25, 2014. In August 2016, George returned to radio. He started presenting a show on "Fever40," an internet radio station in Northern Ireland.

Television Appearances

Besides radio, George Jones also appeared on television. He was on shows like Town Challenge and Children in Need. These shows often helped raise money for good causes.

Other Creative Projects

In April 2010, George Jones joined a comedy tour called Give My Head Peace. He also performed in an Irish musical. The musical was first called On Eagles Wing and later changed to On Irish Wings. He starred in it alongside Peter Corry.

Personal Life

George Jones is married to Hilary. They live in Greyabbey. They have a son named Jason, who is also known as Jay. They also have a daughter named Natalie.