Renauld Jones(1910-1989)

Reunald Jones Sr. was born in Indianapolis, IN, and was a fine section & Lead trumpeter who worked steadily throughout his career both in big bands and in the studios. Reunald attended the Michigan Conservatory and then played with local bands in the Midwest including Speed Webb in 1930. Later, Jones played with many orchestras during the '30s and 40s, including Charlie Johnson, the Savoy Bearcats, Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington (two months in 1946), and a few others. He was the lead trumpeter with Count Basie during 1952-1957, which brought him some fame, as well as the Lead Trumpeter with the Nat King Cole orchestra (1961-1964), with whom he was close with. In addition to extensive studio work, he toured with Woody Herman (1959) & played with the short-lived George Shearing big band. Despite possessing a fine swing-based solo style, Jones became less active in the '70s. His wide range and fine tone kept him working, but also resulted in Reunald Jones being mostly confined to background work.