Reunald Jones

Reunald Jones (Indianapolis, December 1910 – d. February 26, 1989) – Trumpet player. After attending the Michigan Conservatory, Reunald Jones returned to his native Indianapolis and played trumpet with regional bands including the Brown Buddies. During the Great Depression, Jones settled in New York City and eventually found work with numerous bands including those led by Charlie Johnson, Fess Williams, Chick Webb (1933-34), Sam Wooding, Claude Hopkins, Willie Bryant, Teddy Hill, Don Redman (1936-38), Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington (1946), Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, and Sy Oliver. Known for holding his horn exclusively with his right hand, Jones played lead for the Basie Band from 1952 to 1957. In that time-frame, he appeared on several of the band’s albums included Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings. Somewhat overlapping, he participated in a project conceived by Leonard Feather as the Jones Boys, which was led by Quincy Jones and included other members named Jones—though not related. He also played in the big bands of Woody Herman (1959), George Shearing (c. 1960), and Nat King Cole (1961-64). Although he was usually thought of as an ensemble player—rather than a soloist—he was featured on some of Nat King Cole’s songs, such as “Sweet Loraine.” Beginning in the 1940s, he started studio work, including recordings with Ella Fitzgerald and Sonny Rollins.