| Birth: | May 14, 1928 | | Death: | Jan. 16, 2000 | 
R&B/Doo-Wop Musician. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, he served as a Private First Class in the United States Air Force, during World War II. He was at first a member of the musical groups, 'The Cadets,' and 'The Jacks.' Jones' big break came in 1957, when he joined the musical group, 'The Coasters,' replacing Bobby Nunn and Leon Hughes. The group originally called, 'The Robins' originated in Los Angeles, California, before becoming the 'Coasters.' The group began recording in 1949, but became more professional in 1953 when they joined the writing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The group who were known for there on-stage antics were considered clowns more then recording artists. The band recording for such labels as Rhino, Hollywood, Atlantic, Deluxe, and Direct Source, consisted of several members during there years together like Bobby Nunn, Leon Hughes, Cornell Gunter, Billy Guy, Obie Jessie, Earl 'Speedo' Carroll, and at times the great King Curtis. The band's who many notable recording's include 'Yakety Yak,' 'Charlie Brown,' Wake me, Shake Me,' 'Down In Mexico,' 'Poison Ivy,' 'Along Came Jones,' 'Sweet Georgia Brown,' 'Shoppin' For Clothes,' and 'Little Egypt,' and many more, were together until they disbanded in 1972. After the group broke up different members tried to resurrect the group with other 'Coaster' type groups but nothing like the originals. The group has also had a few hardships, King Curtis was murdered in 1971, Bobby Nunn died in 1986, Cornell Gunter was murdered in 1990, Buddy Guy died penniless in 2002, and Jones passed away in 2000, at the age of 71. The 'Coasters' were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, the first vocal group to be given that honour. (bio by: K)
Family links:
Spouse:
Freddie James Jones (1937 - 2012)*
*Calculated relationship
Search Amazon for Will Jones | | | Burial:
Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside
Riverside County
California, USA
Plot: Section 50, Site 4458 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: K
Record added: Mar 04, 2006
Find A Grave Memorial# 13526481 |
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