Biography
When Black Top brought Little Sonny Jones' 1975 New Orleans R&B Gems back into circulation two decades after its debut, even dedicated blues listeners paused in confusion over the name. Yet Crescent City residents have long held Jones in warm regard; born and deceased in the same city, he created memorable recordings throughout his life. Originally named Johnny Jones, he acquired his lasting nickname from close friend Fats Domino during late-'40s appearances together at the Hideaway Club in the Ninth Ward. Domino achieved major success, whereas Jones encountered repeated commercial disappointment on record: a 1953 Specialty single pairing "Do You Really Love Me" with "Is Everything Allright?" came before a four-song Imperial date the following year supervised by Dave Bartholomew and featuring "I Got Fooled" and "Winehead Baby." None of the three 45s found an audience, although Fats continued to hire Jones as an opening act through 1961.
Following seven years performing locally with David and Melvin Lastie's band, Jones stepped away from music until the 1975 album, originally released abroad on Black Magic Records. The collection faithfully revived the Crescent City R&B style of the 1950s through Jones' rich vocals and contributions from veterans Dave "Fat Man" Williams on piano and vocals, saxophonists Clarence Ford and David Lastie, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Frank Fields, and drummer Robert French. Jones returned to the stage for the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival until heart failure ended his life in 1989.
Following seven years performing locally with David and Melvin Lastie's band, Jones stepped away from music until the 1975 album, originally released abroad on Black Magic Records. The collection faithfully revived the Crescent City R&B style of the 1950s through Jones' rich vocals and contributions from veterans Dave "Fat Man" Williams on piano and vocals, saxophonists Clarence Ford and David Lastie, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Frank Fields, and drummer Robert French. Jones returned to the stage for the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival until heart failure ended his life in 1989.