Willie Edward Jones

Willie Edward Jones was the third child of Willie and Estella Jones. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Stanton Senior High School and attended Florida A&M. While attending college, he was drafted to serve our country during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Florida A&M to earn a Bachelor of Science in Music.

After graduation, Willie accepted a teaching position at Center High School in Waycross, Georgia. In Waycross, he met Blondell Tubbs who he married in 1961. Shortly after, Willie visited Los Angeles, California and it was there that he decided to move to pursue his career as a professional musician. Willie moved to Los Angeles that year.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Willie became the music director for the Platters, the first rock and roll group to have a top ten album in America. He performed, toured, arranged for and recorded with the Platters exclusively from 1961 through 1963. He continued working with the group through 1969. During this time, Willie also performed with the Ink Spots on a tour throughout Asia.

From the late 1970s through the early 1990s, Willie and Blondell re-assembled the Youth Choir at the Church of the Advent in Los Angeles. Willie also created and was musical director and arranger of the Advent Singers, a group that included singers from the church, local colleges, universities, Willie’s own students and fellow performers. The Advent Singers went on to perform many concerts around Los Angeles.

As a professional jazz musician Willie performed worldwide and worked with many great musicians including Ernie Andrews, Oscar Bashears, George Bohanon, Earl Bostic, Ike Cole, Teddy Edwards, Henry Franklin, Larry Gales, Freddie Hill, Allen Jackson, Billy Moore, Johnny Otis and many more. For several years, he was the featured musician at the Black Emmy Nominees Dinner.

In addition to performing, Willie was also a vocal coach and worked with many artists including singers and actors Shirley Maclaine, Ann Margaret, Nichelle Nichols, Lillian Randolph, DJ Rogers and many more.

Willie and Blondell had three wonderful children, Monica, Piper and Willie III, who were all born and raised in Los Angeles. He influenced his children to play musical instruments and attend performing arts schools.

Throughout his life, Willie Jones influenced generations of musicians who were peers and students. Through his teachings, he inspired people not only musically but also through emphasizing the importance of family, life lessons, healthy living, arts and culture and positivity of black culture. Of all the people he mentored, Willie’s influence is most prevalent in his son who is one of today’s most sought after drummers in jazz. Willie and his son recorded together on the younger Jones’ CD Volume III, released in 2005.

Willie’s highest priority and love in his life was his family. He is leaving behind a legacy in love with his survivors: his beloved wife of 50 years, Blondell; his children and their spouses Monica and her husband Brian, Piper and her husband Michael, Willie III and his wife Zooey; and Florence and her husband Eric; his grandchildren Eric, Lauren, Jessica, David, Rachael, Brandon and Jonathan. Willie is also survived by siblings Louise and James, nieces Gloria and Eleanor, great niece Larette and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Known by some as the “maestro” and “the professor,” Willie Edward Jones will forever be loved and remembered as a devoted family man, teacher, artist and inspiration to many.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.