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 their on-stage antics, were considered clowns more than 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 many notable recordings 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. They 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, Billy 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 honor.
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 their on-stage antics, were considered clowns more than 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 many notable recordings 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. They 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, Billy 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 honor.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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