Jones, Richard L., 1923-2013

Dr. Richard Henry Lee Jones (1923-2013) was an African American music professor, veteran of the United States Navy B-1 Band, musician, and band leader.

Jones was born Dec. 9, 1923, in Summerfield, N.C. to Addie Ogburn Jones and William Jones. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy B-1 Band. The B-1 Navy Band members were the first African Americans to serve in the modern Navy at any general rank, not as "mess boys or stewards" but as musicians. The establishment of the band served as a prominent move to integrate the modern U. S. Navy. Jones was known to his fellow band members by the nickname “Trummie” and played trombone in the band.

Following his service, Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from N.C. A&T University, a Master's Degree from Northwestern University, and a doctoral degree from Boston University. He went on to become a professor of music at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C. In addition to teaching, Jones worked with the marching band, played in several bands, including the Rhythm Vets, and was a member of the orchestra at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville. As part of the Rhythm Vets, Jones recorded the soundtrack to the movie Pitch a Boogie Woogie, made in Greenville, N.C. in 1947. He also played with larger acts, including: Dionne Warwick, the Temptations, the Dells, Roberta Flack and Nancy Wilson.

Jones was married to Leveda Jones and the couple had four children. He died February 3, 2013 in Fayetteville, N.C.