Olu Dara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olu Dara
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| Birth name | Charles Jones III |
| Born | January 12, 1941 Louisville, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Origin | Natchez, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, cornet, trumpet, harmonica, drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Labels | Atlantic Records |
| Associated acts | Nas, Bravehearts, AZ |
Olu Dara Jones, born Charles Jones III on January 12, 1941, is an amazing American musician. He plays the cornet, guitar, and sings. You might know his son, the famous rapper Nas. Olu Dara is known for mixing different styles of music like jazz, blues, and folk.
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Olu Dara's Early Life
Olu Dara was born in Natchez, Mississippi. His dad, Charlie R. Jones, was also a musician. He sang with a group called The Melodiers. As a child, Olu Dara learned to play the piano and clarinet. He later studied music at Tennessee State University. He first thought about becoming a doctor, but then decided to focus on music.
Olu Dara's Music Career
From 1959 to 1964, Olu Dara played music in the Navy. He said this was a great way to learn a lot about music. In 1964, he moved to New York City. There, he changed his name to Olu Dara. This name means "The Lord is good" in the Yoruba language. In the 1970s and 1980s, he played with many famous jazz musicians. Some of them were David Murray and Cassandra Wilson. He also started two of his own bands. These were called the Okra Orchestra and the Natchezsippi Dance Band.
Olu Dara's Albums
Olu Dara's first album was In the World: From Natchez to New York (1998). This album showed his unique musical style. He mixed blues, jazz, and storytelling. It also had touches of funk, African popular music, and reggae. His second album, Neighborhoods, came out in 2001. Famous musicians like Dr. John and Cassandra Wilson played on it. It continued his special blend of sounds.
Working with Nas
Olu Dara has also worked with his son, the rapper Nas. He played on Nas's famous album Illmatic in 1994. He also played on the song "Dance" (2002). Olu Dara sang on Nas's songs "Bridging the Gap" and "Street's Disciple" (2004).
Olu Dara's Main Albums
Here are some of the main albums Olu Dara has been a part of:
As a Leader
- In the World: From Natchez to New York (Atlantic, 1998)
- Neighborhoods (Atlantic, 2001)
With Nas
- 1994 Illmatic
- 2002 God's Son
- 2004 Bridging the Gap
- 2004 Street's Disciple
