Melvyn "Deacon" Jones


Melvyn "Deacon" Jones was an organist and founding member of Baby Huey & the Babysitters.

Biography

In 1963 along with Johnny Ross and Jimmy Ramey, Jones formed Baby Huey & the Babysitters who went on to become a well known live attraction in Chicago. After Ramey's death in 1970 Jones embarked on a career that would see him work with Curtis Mayfield, Freddie King, and John Lee Hooker. During his career he worked with many musical luminaries, including Gregg Allman, Elvin Bishop, Lester Chambers, Albert Collins, Pappo, and Buddy Miles. His brother is the drummer Harold Jones. He is survived by his son, Jason Christopher Jones and daughter Sarah Lee Grace Jones.

1990s onwards

In 1992, the Bay Area Blues Society and the South Bay Blues Awards named Jones, "Keyboard Player of the Year".
In 2008, Jones published his autobiography, The Blues Man: 40 Years with the Blues Legends.

Death

Jones died at the age of 73 in Hollywood, California.

Discography

With John Lee Hooker
With Pappo