Trumpeter Herbie Jones, a longtime member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the 1950s and 1960s, died on March 19 in New York. He was 74 and had diabetes.
Jones toured five continents with Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Not just a player, Jones also arranged pieces for the Ellington band. His recorded arrangements include “The Opener,” “Cootie’s Caravan,” El Busto,” and “The Prowling Cat.” Jones also performed on recordings by Ella Fitzgerald and Johnny Hodges.
After departing the Ellington band, Jones was the first director of Arts and Culture Inc., an alternative school in New York City. He also directed the Bugle Corps of the Police Athletic League in Harlem as a volunteer.
Originally Published
