[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A SALUTE TO HANK JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, as the dean of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, I rise to salute the lifetime achievements of pianist Hank 
Jones. The eldest of the three illustrious ``Jones Brothers,'' 
including trumpeter Thad and drummer Elvin, Hank Jones was born in 
Pontiac, Michigan in 1918. Hank Jones played in territory bands around 
Michigan and Ohio while a teenager, and in 1944 he moved to New York to 
play with Oran ``Hot Lips'' Page's combo at the Onyx Club on 52nd 
Street. He was the first of the great Detroit pianists (including Tommy 
Flanagan, Barry Harris and Roland Hanna) to emerge as a major talent on 
the New York jazz scene after World War II.
  During the remainder of the 40s, Hank Jones had stints with John 
Kirby, Howard McGhee, Coleman Hawkins, Andy Kirk and Billy Eckstine. 
Influenced by Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, and Art Tatum, Jones' style 
was also open to the emerging bebop style and his playing was flexible 
enough to fit into many genres.
  He was on several Jazz at the Philharmonic tours (starting in 1947), 
worked as accompanist for Ella Fitzgerald (1948-53) and recorded with 
Charlie Parker. In the 1950s Jones performed with Artie Shaw, Benny 
Goodman, Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley and many others. He was on 
the staff of CBS during 1959-1976, performing with the network's 
orchestra on a variety of shows, but always remained active in jazz as 
an independent artist. In the late '70s Jones was the pianist in the 
Broadway musical ``Ain't Misbehavin'' and he recorded with a pickup 
unit dubbed the Great Jazz Trio which at various times included Ron 
Carter, Buster Williams or Eddie Gomez on bass and Tony Williams, Al 
Foster or Jimmy Cobb on drums.
  Hank Jones is widely regarded as a masterful piano player, known 
especially for his sensitivity and musical intelligence. His lasting 
success lies in his ability to assimilate different styles, while 
retaining his own identity and temperament. He can be heard on 
thousands of recordings, both as a leader and an accompanist. He has 
also performed in numerous clubs worldwide. Having reached the age of 
81, Hank Jones is still booking dates for his trio, which includes 
George Mraz on bass, and Dennis Mackrel on drums.
  Among the many labels that Hank Jones has recorded for as a leader 
are Verve, Savoy, Epic, Golden Crest, Capitol, Argo, ABC-Paramount, 
Impulse, Concord, East Wind, Muse, Galaxy, Black & Blue, MPS, Inner 
City and Chiaroscuro.

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