b. 12 August 1926, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, d. 27 November 2005, Los Angeles, California, USA. Jones was a pianist and vocalist who made his mark in 1960 with the R&B/novelty Top 10 single "You Talk Too Much'. His career began in the mid-40s as a valet and band leader for B.B. King. Jones recorded under his own name as early as 1954 and went on the road as a pianist for Shirley And Lee. Jones' big hit was co-written with pianist Reginald Hall, and recorded for the small local label Ric Records. However, as the record began to take off, it was discovered that Jones had already recorded the song for the larger, New York-based Roulette Records. They lodged an injunction and the Ric version was withdrawn. Jones was unable to follow that hit and went into publishing, production and management, his greatest success in that area being with the Dixie Cups and, to a lesser degree, Alvin Robinson. He was also a notable advocate for black artists" rights. Jones battled colon and prostate cancer in later years and passed away in November 2005 from complications from quadruple bypass surgery. (NB: Not to be confused with soul jazz guitarist Boogaloo Joe Jones.)

Listen to Joe Jones at Finetune.

• You Talk Too Much

• Elvis Presley
• The Everly Brothers
• The Drifters
• Jackie Wilson
• Bobby Vee
• Connie Francis
• Sam Cooke
• Dion
• Lloyd Price
• The Coasters
• Brenda Lee
• Bobby Darin
• Herman's Hermits
• Ray Charles
• Angels
• The Shirelles
• Ben E. King
• Johnny Preston
• Johnny Cash
• Fats Domino

• flightloft