Jo Jones

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Jo Jones (October 7, 1911 - September 3, 1985) was one of the most influential drummers in the history of jazz. Known as Papa Jo Jones in his later years, he was sometimes confused with another influential jazz drummer, Philly Joe Jones. The two died only a few days apart. Born as Jonathan David Samuel Jones in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Alabama where he learned to play several instruments, including saxophone, piano, and drums. He worked as a drummer and tap-dancer at carnival shows until joining Walter Page's band, the Blue Devils in Oklahoma City in the late 1920s. He recorded with trumpeter Lloyd Hunter's Serenaders in 1931, and later joined pianist Count Basie's band in 1933. Jones, Basie, guitarist Freddie Green and bassist Walter Page are one of the more important rhythm sections in jazz. Jones took a brief break for two years when he was in the military. He played with the band until 1948 and performed in the Jazz at the Philharmonic concert series.