Olu Dara facts for kids

Olu Dara Jones, born Charles Jones III on January 12, 1941, is an American musician. He plays the cornet and guitar, and he is also a singer. He is well-known as the father of the famous rapper, Nas.

Early Life and Education

Olu Dara was born in Natchez, Mississippi. His mother, Ella Mae Jones, was from Canton, Mississippi. His father, Charlie R Jones, was also a musician who traveled and sang with a group called The Melodiers.

When he was a child, Olu Dara learned to play the piano and clarinet. He later went to Tennessee State University. He first studied to become a doctor, but then he changed his focus to music. He studied music theory and how to compose music.

Musical Journey and Career

From 1959 to 1964, Olu Dara was a musician in the Navy. He said this time was a very valuable learning experience for him.

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. During the 1970s and 1980s, he played music with many other talented artists. Some of these included David Murray, Henry Threadgill, and Cassandra Wilson. He also started two of his own bands: the Okra Orchestra and the Natchezsippi Dance Band.

Albums and Unique Style

Olu Dara released his first album in 1998, called In the World: From Natchez to New York. This album showed a different side of his music. He became a band leader and singer, exploring African-American music traditions. His music was a mix of blues, jazz, and storytelling folk music. It also had touches of funk, African popular music, and reggae.

His second album, Neighborhoods, came out later. It featured other musicians like Dr. John and Cassandra Wilson. This album continued his unique musical style.

Collaborations with Nas

Olu Dara also played on albums by his son, the rapper Nas. He played on Nas's album Illmatic in 1994. He also played on the song "Dance" in 2002. Later, he sang on Nas's songs "Bridging the Gap" and "Street's Disciple" in 2004.

Discography

Olu Dara has released several albums as a leader and has also played on many albums with other artists.

As a Leader

• In the World: From Natchez to New York (1998)
• Neighborhoods (2001)

With Material

• Memory Serves (1981)
• The Third Power (1991)

With Other Artists

Olu Dara has contributed his musical talents to many albums by other musicians. Some of these include:

• With Charles Brackeen: Attainment (1987), Worshippers Come Nigh (1987)
• With Carlos Garnett: Let This Melody Ring On (1975), Fire (1977)
• With Corey Harris: Downhome Sophisticate (2002), Daily Bread (2005)
• With Craig Harris: Tributes (1985), Cold Sweat Plays J. B. (1999)
• With David Murray: Ming (1980), Home (1981), The Tip (1995)
• With Nas: Illmatic (1994), God's Son (2002), Bridging the Gap (2004), Street's Disciple (2004)
• With Jamaaladeen Tacuma: Show Stopper (1983), Renaissance Man (1984)
• With Henry Threadgill: When Was That? (1982), Just the Facts and Pass the Bucket (1983)
• With James Blood Ulmer: Are You Glad to Be in America? (1980), Free Lancing (1981)
• With Cassandra Wilson: Days Aweigh (1987), Blue Light 'Til Dawn (1993), Traveling Miles (1999), Belly of the Sun (2002)