[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ELVIN JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2003

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, as the Dean of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, and chairman of its annual Jazz Issue Forum and Concert, I rise 
to call to this body's attention the achievements of a distinguished 
American musical artist, Elvin Jones.
  Born on September 9, 1927, in Pontiac, Michigan, Elvin Jones is the 
youngest brother of a remarkable musical family, which also includes 
Hank Jones (a pianist) and the late Thad Jones (a coronetist and big 
band leader). Elvin Jones began his career playing drums with local 
bands active in Detroit's fertile jazz scene. After serving in the Army 
from 1946-1949, he returned to the Detroit area, establishing himself 
as the house drummer at the renowned Bluebird Club.
  In the mid-50s, Elvin Jones relocated to New York City, where he 
rapidly established himself as a leading exponent of bop drumming. 
During this period, he worked with several notable musicians including 
J.J. Johnson, Donald Byrd, Harry ``Sweets'' Edison, Bud Powell and 
Sonny Rollins. In 1960, Elvin Jones became a member of John Coltrane's 
most celebrated quartet, working alongside pianist McCoy Tyner and 
bassist Jimmy Garrison. Jones played with ``Trane'' for five years, 
gaining the renown that has led him to be regarded as one of the 
outstanding drummers in jazz history.
  After leaving Coltrane, Elvin Jones worked mainly as a leader of his 
own small groups, where he was able to exercise full control over the 
musical policy. In 1966, however, Jones toured Europe with Duke 
Ellington's Orchestra. Back on his own in the late 60s, and on through 
the 70s and 80s, Jones toured ceaselessly, playing clubs, concerts and 
festivals around the world. With the 90s came the emergence of the very 
popular ``Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine.'' During his many years as a 
leader, Jones' sidemen have included Joe Farrell, George Coleman, Frank 
Foster, Andrew White, and members of jazz's younger vanguard like 
Delfeayo Marsalis and Nicholas Payton. Among the labels that Elvin 
Jones has recorded on are Atlantic, Riverside, Impulse, Blue Note, 
Enja, PM, Vanguard, Honey Dew, Denon, Storyville, Evidence and 
Landmark.
  In 1998, Elvin Jones was elected by the critics into the ``Down Beat 
Hall of Fame.'' By his colleagues and fans around the world, Jones is 
recognized as one of the master drummers of jazz.

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