Jo Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jo Jones
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Jones, ca. 1960
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jonathan David Samuel Jones |
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| Born | October 7, 1911 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 1985 (aged 73) New York City, New York, U.s. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Associated acts | Count Basie |
Jonathan David Samuel Jones (born October 7, 1911 – died September 3, 1985) was an amazing American jazz drummer. People often called him Papa Jo Jones to tell him apart from another drummer named Philly Joe Jones. Jo Jones was a leader and a pioneer in playing jazz drums. He was a very important part of the Count Basie Orchestra from 1934 to 1948.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Jo Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. When he was young, he moved to Alabama. There, he learned to play many different musical instruments. These included the saxophone, piano, and drums.
Before becoming a famous jazz drummer, Jo Jones worked at carnival shows. He was a drummer and a tap-dancer. Later, in the late 1920s, he joined a band called the Blue Devils. This band was led by Walter Page in Oklahoma City.
Joining Count Basie
In 1931, Jo Jones recorded music with a trumpeter named Lloyd Hunter. Then, in 1934, he joined Count Basie's band. This was a very important step in his career. Jones, Basie, guitarist Freddie Green, and bassist Walter Page were known as the "All-American Rhythm section." They were considered a perfect team.
Jo Jones took a short break from the band for two years to serve in the military. But he returned and stayed with Count Basie until 1948. He also played in a famous concert series called Jazz at the Philharmonic.
Drumming Style and Influence
Jo Jones was a true innovator in jazz drumming. He helped change how drums were played.
New Drumming Techniques
He was one of the first drummers to use brushes on the drums. Brushes create a softer, swishing sound instead of a loud bang. He also changed how drummers kept time. Before him, drummers often used the bass drum for timekeeping. Jo Jones moved this role to the hi-hat cymbal.
He also played the hi-hat cymbal in a new way. He would continuously open and close it while playing a rhythm. This was different from the usual way of only hitting it when it was closed. His style greatly influenced how modern jazz drummers play. Today, drummers often keep time on the ride cymbal, a technique inspired by Jones.
Influencing Other Drummers
Many famous drummers looked up to Jo Jones. He had a big influence on musicians like Buddy Rich, Kenny Clarke, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, and Louie Bellson. His unique style helped shape the sound of jazz drumming for future generations.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Jo Jones often performed at the West End jazz club in New York City. Other drummers, like Max Roach and Roy Haynes, would often come to watch him play.
Personality and Music
Jo Jones was known for being very serious and particular about his music. He had very high standards for how jazz should be played. He wanted every musician to be at their best.
Awards and Recognition
In 1979, Jo Jones was honored for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. In 1985, he received the American Jazz Masters fellowship. This award came from the National Endowment for the Arts.
His life story was written in a book called Rifftide: The Life and Opinions of Papa Jo Jones. It was published after he passed away in 2011.
Jo Jones died from pneumonia in New York City when he was 73 years old. He is remembered as one of the most important drummers in jazz history.
Film Appearances
Jo Jones also appeared in several films.
- Jammin' the Blues (1944)
- The Unsuspected (1947)
- Jazz Icons: Coleman Hawkins-Live in 62 & 64
- L´Aventure du Jazz (1969/72-Louis Panassié)
- Born to Swing (1973)
- The Last of the Blue Devils (1979)
Images for kids
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Jo Jones, a famous jazz drummer.
See also
In Spanish: Jo Jones para niños
