Leroy Jones

Biography

Leroy Jones, born February 20, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a celebrated jazz trumpeter renowned for his deep connection to the city’s musical heritage. He began playing trumpet at the age of ten and quickly distinguished himself as a prodigy. By age twelve, Jones was leading the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, a youth ensemble organized by the legendary Danny Barker to revive the brass band tradition in New Orleans. When the musicians' union forced Barker to disband the group in 1974, Jones took over, renaming it the Hurricane Brass Band and further cementing his leadership in the local jazz scene.

Jones’s career blossomed as he toured with artists such as Eddie Vinson and Della Reese before forming his own Leroy Jones Quintet. In 1991, he joined Harry Connick, Jr.’s big band, gaining international exposure and later releasing his debut album 'Mo’ Cream From The Crop' on Columbia Records in 1994. Jones’s style is a vibrant blend of traditional New Orleans jazz, influenced by greats like Louis Armstrong, and modern jazz elements, particularly bebop. He is widely regarded as a 'keeper of the flame' for New Orleans jazz, and his efforts have been pivotal in the revival and preservation of the city’s brass band tradition. Jones continues to perform globally, both as a solo artist and with ensembles such as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Dr. John, leaving a lasting legacy on jazz music.

Fun Facts

• Leroy Jones was leading a brass band at just 12 years old, a rare feat even in New Orleans’s musically rich environment.
• He played on the soundtrack of the hit film 'Sleepless in Seattle.'
• Jones’s playing style is often described as a blend of Louis Armstrong’s traditional jazz and Clifford Brown’s bebop virtuosity.
• He is a member of the New Orleans Jazz Hall of Fame and has performed at major venues and festivals worldwide, including the Village Vanguard and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Danny Barker - Organized and mentored Jones in the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, providing early leadership opportunities and direct instruction. (Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band) [circa 1970-1974]

Key Collaborators

• Harry Connick, Jr. - Jones joined Connick’s big band, toured internationally, and his quintet opened for Connick. (Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra, tours, recordings) [1991–present]
• Dr. John - Performed and recorded together, notably in New Orleans jazz contexts. (Live performances, Preservation Hall Jazz Band collaborations) [2004–present]
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Regular performer and recording artist with the ensemble. (Live performances, recordings) [2004–present]
• Eddie Vinson - Toured together after Jones left the Hurricane Brass Band. (Touring) [mid-1970s]
• Della Reese - Toured together after Jones left the Hurricane Brass Band. (Touring) [mid-1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous New Orleans brass band musicians - As leader of the Fairview and Hurricane Brass Bands, Jones mentored and inspired a generation of young musicians who went on to shape the city’s brass band renaissance. (Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, Hurricane Brass Band alumni) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dippy
2. Whoopin' Blues (New Orleans Brass Band Music - Memories Of The Fairview & Hurricane Band)
3. Pennies from Heaven (Back to My Roots)
4. South Rampart Street Parade (New Orleans Brass Band Music - Memories Of The Fairview & Hurricane Band)
5. Soul Instrument Harp
6. Lord, Lord, Lord (New Orleans Brass Band Music - Memories Of The Fairview & Hurricane Band)
7. When My Dreamboat Comes Home (Mo' Cream From The Crop)
8. Mack the Knife (Soft Shoe)
9. Parlor for the Crawlers (Back to My Roots)
10. I'll Fly Away (Ministry of Jazz)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia