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.

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