Rufus “Speedy” Jones

An excellent soloist and an explosive participant, Rufus Jones usually lived up to his nickname of “Speedy.” He originally began on trumpet, switching to drums when he was 13. Among his early organizations had been with Lionel Hampton (1954), Henry “Crimson” Allen, and Maynard Ferguson’s Orchestra (1959-1963). He led his personal quintet during 1963-1964 (producing a Cameo LP which was his just album like a innovator). Jones obtained popularity for his use Count number Basie (1964-1966) and adopted that up when you are a spark plug for Duke Ellington (1966-1970). By no means an overly delicate participant, Rufus Jones could continually be counted to light a open fire under additional players and he certainly produced a direct effect during his intervals with Basie and Ellington.