Rufus "Speedy" Jones

Rufus "Speedy" Jones (May 27, 1936 – April 25, 1990) was an American jazz drummer from Charleston, South Carolina.

Rufus "Speedy" Jones
Born(1936-05-27)May 27, 1936
Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
DiedApril 25, 1990(1990-04-25) (aged 53)
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsDrums
Years active1950s–1990
Associated actsCount Basie, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Red Allen, James Brown

Starting out on trumpet, Rufus switched to drums at the age of 13. He got an early start in 1954 with Lionel Hampton before being drafted. While stationed at Fort Jackson, Rufus played in a quintet every Saturday night at the black United Service Organization clubhouse in Columbia. He later played with Red Allen and Maynard Ferguson's Orchestra (1959–1963). He led a quintet from 1963 to 1964, producing for Cameo Records his only album as a leader. Jones gained fame for his flamboyant work with Count Basie and Woody Herman in the mid-1960s and backed that up with Duke Ellington in the latter half of the decade. He also appeared with James Brown.

Rufus' son, Lebrew, was sentenced in 1989 to 22 years to life for the murder of Michaelanne Hall, a prostitute in New York City. He was released on parole on November 19, 2009 after significant doubts were raised about his guilt.[1]

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Count Basie

  • Big Band Scene '65 (Roulette, 1965)
  • Arthur Prysock/Count Basie (Verve, 1966)
  • Basie's Beat (Verve, 1967)

With Duke Ellington

With Maynard Ferguson

With others

References
  1. Pertel, John. "Waiting 22 years for this moment". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
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