Eddie Jones

Eddie Jones is best-known for his long period with Count Basie's Orchestra in the 1950's. Coincidentally he grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey near Basie's home although Count had left the state years earlier. He studied music at Howard University and picked up experience working with Sarah Vaughan (1950) and Lester Young. Jones was a music teacher in South Carolina during 1951-52 before joining Count Basie's Orchestra in 1953. He stayed for nine years, recording extensively with Basie and appearing on many small group sessions not only with Count's sidemen (including Joe Newman, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Thad Jones and Ernie Wilkins) but ones led by Milt Jackson, Coleman Hawkins and Putte Wickman among others. In 1962 Jones left music to work at IBM (later becoming vice president of an insurance company) although Eddie Jones returned to playing on a part-time basis in the 1980's, appearing occasionally in mainstream and swing settings. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide