“…he formed the band. He chose the members. He named the band. He chose the music we played. He got us gigs … Very influential, very important, and then slowly lost it – highly intelligent – and just kind of wasted it and blew it all away.” -Bill Wyman on Brian Jones
Brian Jones was the formative ‘first mover’ of the Rolling Stones, and though his tenure was among the shortest of any Stones’ members, his impact was arguably the most important. The son of two music education professionals, Jones grew up in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire listening to the likes of jazz and blues legends ala Cannonball Adderly, Elmore James and Robert Johnson. After a troubled educational career (despite his 135 IQ), he moved to London were he found himself among musicians like Jack Bruce (Cream), Paul Jones (Manfred Mann) and Eric Clapton. In 1962, Jones would form a new band consisting of his childhood friend, Keith Richards. and singer Mick Jagger, naming his band ‘The Rollin’ Stones. And the rest is history.
Jones quickly developed addictions in the late 60s and was found dead at the bottom of his pool at Cotchford Farms, U.K.. To this day, many Murder conspiracies surround his death.
Musically, Jones was a multi-instrumental genius, and 70 years and one day after his birthday, 40ozRobot brings you this playlist, highlighting his musical offerings to rock ‘n’ roll history. His specific instrument parts on each song are found within the parenthesis.
Under My Thumb (mariba)
Get Off My Cloud (guitar)
I Wanna Be Your Man (slide guitar)
Let’s Spend the Night Together (Organ)
Paint It Black (sitar)
Ruby Tuesday (Recorder)
Not Fade Away (Harmonica)
Lady Jane (Dulcimer)
She’s a Rainbow (mellotron)
You Got the Silver (autoharp)
Dandelion (saxophone and oboe)
Faves? Anyone else?
