Raymond Jones
Raymond Jones
December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011
December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011
Les Williams You know, I probably haven't seen Raymond Jones in about 30 years. We grew up in the same neighborhood and Raymond attended school with my older brother, Richard Williams, and sister, Renita Williams. When I reached out to Raymond on Facebook, he immediately friended me and reminisced. Despite his artistic and professional success, Ray treated me as down to earth and real as anyone...and as if we had just seen each other 3 days not 30 years ago. He remained as feisty an artist and personality as ever. Skinny little Raymond Jones from around tha way was more of an icon and inspiration for little kids in South Jamaica and Queens who dreamed about playing in bands and finding musical success than he probably ever knew. Everyone who grew up around him basked in our pride of his success, and always acknowledged him as being one of the kindest and good natured kids to come from our neighborhood. Ray, you will be missed! Andrew Levette The three of us sitting in front of the console, Roy Ayers and Wayne Garfield behind us at the control board, Dee Dee Bridgewater behind the glass, kind of hoarse, but blowin', like only she can...like it was yesterday. The three of us...one of my fondest and most favorite memories. Carol Steele Oh, my God, Uncle Ramie...you will be so missed by me. It was always so much fun to play with you, and we did have a good time in the Jeffrey Osborne Band. I know in my heart that you will go straight to sit at the right hand of God with your beautiful, well-lit self... Ibae, baen tonu... I will always love you... Dk Dyson Light filled Journey to you, Dear Raymond, as you make your way to the Land of the Ancestors. Here, take my hugs & my voice in your heart. And, here, take some of that awesome music you have in your DNA. Oh, here, take this staff so you make a fine entrance. Oh yeah, here, take this white linen suit with hat and shoes to match, too. Here's some spending change so you & Willie The Lion Smith can tip the waitress's up there. Here's a bottle of the finest rum to offer the Great Ones you'll see. Save a laugh for me, blood...cause your's was...just...beautiful... Larry Robinson I am shocked and sad to hear of Raymond's passing. I can't think of a nicer person I've met in 30 years in the music biz. Short story: in my previous life, I was a marginal drummer. Around 1989, Raymond was producing Patti Labelle, asked me to come over and record "electronic drums" (not a drum machine, which would have been easier). Now, please understand, Raymond could have called ANYBODY for this session, but out of the pure kindness of his heart he called me - and kindly put up with my bad drumming!!! The CD came out months later and there was my name - he didn't even go back and erase me!! I will NEVER forget the kindness he showed. Even more touching than his enormous talent was his positivity, kindness and generosity. Raymond: I will miss you terribly.
Denise Jackson White Serrette I will miss Raymond. I had a lot of laughs with him as his assistant when he was the Musical Director on "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show." The show didn't last long, but our friendship did. His laugh, his walk and OMG his rants! I respected his talent and his gift of music. I will play his tribute CD to Luther Vandross...and think of both of them.
Photo from Ray’s trip to Brasil March 2010.