Jonah Jones

Jonah Jones
Jones, ca. March 1947
Jones, ca. March 1947
Background information
Birth nameRobert Elliott Jones
Also known asKing Louis II
Born(1909-12-31)December 31, 1909
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedApril 30, 2000(2000-04-30) (aged 90)[1]
New York City, U.S.
GenresJazz, swing, boogie-woogie, jump blues
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Trumpet, alto saxophone
Years active1920s- 2000
LabelsCapitol, Decca, Motown

Jonah Jones (born Robert Elliott Jones; December 31, 1909 – April 30, 2000)[1] was a jazz trumpeter who created concise versions of jazz and swing and jazz standards that appealed to a mass audience. In the jazz community, he is known for his work with Stuff Smith. He was sometimes referred to as "King Louis II", a reference to Louis Armstrong. Jones started playing alto saxophone at the age of 12 in the Booker T. Washington Community Center band in Louisville, Kentucky, before quickly transitioning to trumpet, where he excelled.

  1. ^ a b Ben Ratliff (3 May 2000). "Jonah Jones, 91, a Master Jazz Trumpeter". The New York Times. p. B 10. Retrieved 2 November 2020.