Johnny "Little Sonny" Jones(April 15, 1931 – December 17, 1989) was an AmericanNew Orleans bluessinger and songwriter.[1]Over his lengthy career, he worked with various blues musicians, notablyFats Domino.
Little Sonny Jones | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Johnny Jones |
| Born | April 15, 1931 New Orleans,Louisiana, United States |
| Died | December 17, 1989(aged 58) New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Genres | New Orleans blues[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | Late 1940s–1989 |
| Labels | Black Top |
He is not to be confused with the blues musiciansLittle SonnyandLittle Sonny Warner.
Biography
editJones was born inNew Orleans,Louisiana. He started singing professionally in the late 1940s. He befriendedFats Dominoand, while they were working together, was given his nickname by Domino. In 1953 he released his debut single, "Do You Really Love Me" backed with "Is Everything Allright?", forSpecialty Records.He recorded another four songs forImperial Recordsin 1954, produced byDave Bartholomew,but his records failed to find a commercial market. His connection with Domino endured, and he remained as Domino's opening act until 1961.[1][2]Jones's tracks included theblues standard"Farther Up the Road".
Jones was employed as the vocalist by a New Orleans–based band led by the brothers David andMelvin Lastie,until the late 1960s.[1]He also had regular employment at a sugar factory.[3]He returned to the recording studio in 1975 and issued the albumNew Orleans R&B Gems,initially on theNetherlands-based Black Magic label.[1]With contributions from veteran musicians, includingDave "Fat Man" Williams,therecordfaithfully copied theR&Bstyle and sound of the 1950s. It was reissued in 1995 byBlack Top Records.[4]
Jones was a regular performer at theNew Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.[1]
In December 1989, Jones died of heart failure in New Orleans, at the age of 58.[1]
Discography
edit| Album title | Record label | Year of original release |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans R&B Gems | Black Top(reissue, 1995) | 1975 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdefgDahl, Bill."Little Sonny Jones: Biography".Allmusic.com.RetrievedOctober 24,2011.
- ^Coleman, Rick (2006).Blue Monday: Fats Domino and the Lost Dawn of Rock 'n' Roll.Cambridge, Massachusetts:Da Capo Press. p.69.ISBN0-306-81531-1.
- ^Amos, Edward (2002).Gravesites of Southern Musicians.McFarland Press. p. 17.ISBN0-7864-1270-4.
- ^abDahl, Bill."Little Sonny Jones,New Orleans R&B Gems:Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards ".AllMusic.com.RetrievedJanuary 27,2014.