Uriel Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Uriel Jones
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| Background information | |
| Born | June 13, 1934 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | March 24, 2009 (aged 74) Dearborn, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1959–2009 |
| Associated acts | Funk Brothers |
Uriel Jones (born June 13, 1934 – died March 24, 2009) was a super talented American musician. He was a drummer for Motown Records, playing in their amazing studio band called the Funk Brothers. He helped create many hit songs in the 1960s and early 1970s.
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Who Was Uriel Jones?
Uriel Jones was a very important drummer for Motown. Motown was a famous record company known for its soul music. Uriel was part of a special group of musicians called the Funk Brothers. These musicians played on almost all the Motown songs you know and love!
Joining the Funk Brothers
Uriel first started working for Motown when another main drummer, Benny Benjamin, needed someone to fill in. As more and more songs were being recorded, Uriel became one of the main drummers. He worked alongside another great drummer, Richard "Pistol" Allen.
Famous Songs He Played On
Uriel Jones played drums on so many classic songs! Here are just a few:
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. He also played on the later version by Diana Ross.
- "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye.
- "Ain't That Peculiar" by Marvin Gaye.
- "Cloud Nine" by the Temptations.
- "I Can't Get Next to You" by the Temptations.
- "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by the Temptations.
- "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin.
- "Home Cookin'" by Jr. Walker.
- "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.
- "I Second That Emotion" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.
- "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder.
Uriel was inspired by jazz drummers like Art Blakey. He used drums from different brands like Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers, and Gretsch to get his unique sound.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Many years later, Uriel Jones became more famous to music fans. This happened because he appeared in a special movie called Standing in the Shadows of Motown. This movie told the story of the Funk Brothers and how important they were to Motown's success.
A music arranger named Paul Riser once said that Uriel's drum sound was very relaxed and "funky." He meant that Uriel had a special way of playing that made people want to dance.
Later Years
In 2008, Uriel played drums on a recording session for the Carl Dixon BandTraxs project. He helped make music that honored other musicians from Detroit.
Uriel Jones passed away in 2009 at the age of 74. He left behind an amazing legacy of music that continues to inspire people around the world.
