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Brad Jones Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brad Jones
Mary Jones
November 16, 2014
I had the honor to "hang out" with Brad at a friend's house years ago. On one occasion, he began playing an intricate piece and then stopped abruptly. He proceeded to hand me his guitar asking me to adjust it to be out of tune. He asked two others present to do the same. When the guitar was returned to him, he turned around for a couple of minutes to figure things out. Then he turned back around and continued playing the same piece exactly where he left off!!! I was completely blown away!!!!! He was definitely one of THE most gifted musicians God ever made! Now, years after his passing, I still think about him and tell others about him. He was one of a kind, a tremendous loss to this world.
David Parnaby
December 30, 2012
In the processes of ordering guitar instruction books I discovered Marcel Dadi and Buster B Jones died in their forties - so sad that great musicians that have given so much to the advancement or finger style guitar died so young. Their legacy will live on as they continue to give joy to the guitar enthusiast.
Vaughn McKelvey
February 21, 2012
The spirit of your music lies on through the talents of a young man I heard at the Henry estates winery in Umpqua Or. Brooks Robertson spoke very humbly and highly of your inspiration and mentoring and performed some of your music--I have since seen the many clips of Brad on You Tube and have been slackjawed and dazzled by the technique and soul of the man--the guitar world lost one of its brightest stars with his passing--I am humbled and saddened by his passing.
Stoo Potts
August 27, 2011
I just read this article now and am very sorry to learn of the passing of Brad Jones.
I took guitar lessons from Brad at The Fret Mill in Roanoke in 1989 and 1990. I moved away from the area in 1990 and wished I had more time to learn from him. He truly was a guitar master and had a very nice and generous soul. He could have been extremely rich and famous if he had wanted that.
Mark Lovell
June 3, 2011
I'll be your 50th Brad! I remember sitting in The Fret Mill in Roanoke down on the market playing music with you. You showed me so many different chords and styles. I loved swing the most. I remember playing Travelin" Band out on the city market square with you...key of F#. I bought my Gibson J-200 thanks to your help at The Fret Mill. I gave up alcohol almost 11 months ago...I was so close Brad...very close. I am truly sorry you are gone. I so wish I had spoken with you before you left us. Goodnight Brad...I miss you...Dr. Mark
Rod Smith
April 18, 2011
April 18, 2011
I have only just learnt, with great sadness, of Buster Jones death. I have most of his instructional guitar videos in which he comes across not only as a great teacher but a wise and endearing man who recognised the shallow ambience of fame. I would love to have met him. Que lastima - such is life.
Rod Smith. Oxford, England.
Larry Sullivan
November 21, 2010
So very sad to hear of his passing. He was and continues to be a part of my daily life. I never met him in person, but he has been such an inspiration. He truly was one of the greatest to bless this earth. He will be missed.
Tommy Dean Smith
October 8, 2010
Still remembering you Brad...
Andy Speciale
July 7, 2010
I just found out about him in May 2010 and miss him already. So sad, so young and so much talent gone too soon.
Laura Smith
June 3, 2010
We first met "Buster" in a little garage in Garner, NC in 1997 and fell in love with his talent and music. The world lost a great musician and he will be missed.
AL Reyes
April 8, 2010
I met him at the Newport Guitar fest, he stayed at the same hotel and at the bar he sat and talked about touring, the bad hotels he'd stayed in, divorce, all sorts of things. REALLY NICE fellah, played amazing, I have most of his dvd's. it was a real pleasure to have met Buster, bought him beers, and shook his hand.
brian Wooldridge
July 28, 2009
I would like to express my condolences to the family of Buster B. Jones, I was a very devoted fan of thumb-fingerstyle picking. I first heard Buster picking with Thom Bresh on a video and was amazed by his playing. I will miss him. From another thumb and finger style picker. Brian Wooldridge, Hays, KS
Gary Cooper
April 29, 2009
I first met Brad at CAAS in the early 90s. How could he play so fast and without mistakes? The next year, also at CAAS, I asked him to show me lick he did in Alabama Jubilee. Brad was so gracious and took the time to show me what he was doing in 'very slow motion.'
He could arrange songs so complex, like Jerry Reed did, that only he knew for sure what was going on. Rather than saying 'arrangement' Brad always would say he "made it up. Brad will be missed by all of his hundreds of CAAS friends. My condolences to his family. I am glad I met him.
K.W. Locke
April 11, 2009
I felt like such a fool. I've been playing guitar for almost 40 years but only learned about Buster a year or so ago. Now, alittle more than a month after the fact I learned that he is gone. I will never be able to play like him, but because of him, I will continue to try. My prayers are with his family and friends. Faithfully Yours KW
Ed & Connie Marshall
March 26, 2009
We will all miss Buster. For the last 4 years, he has been comming to Sumpter on labor day weekend to play music with Ron Wise, myself, & the rest of my band & special guests. He always stopped here on his way back home from the fiddelers contest @ Weiser Idaho. What a musician. One of the best. I surly miss him.
thanks for the memories Brad..rest in peace.
March 23, 2009
Sue Stokke
March 15, 2009
Beautiful memorial service in central Iowa yesterday afternoon with his musically-talented family singing the songs, including one of Brad's, I was told.
I remember Brad pickin on his front step across the street, two doors up, as we were growin up, in our little two-block neighborhood.
All that loved and were close and were touched by him will surely miss him, and still find him close in their hearts and lives...
He was fun-loving, and always compassionate and kind to me growing up.
I was blessed to meet his partner, Nancy, yesterday, and to reunite with his siblings, after all these years... what a gift to me! I'm sure Brad will continue to keep on giving, as he did yesterday and throughout his life, despite the grief felt with his passing.
Danny Harrison
March 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
rest in peace Brad You will be in our prayers always,ourheartfelt thoughts go out to your family.Manny g Baker City or
March 5, 2009
thanks for the memories Brad b.Jones..upper right
Manny Gutierrez Sr.
February 21, 2009
Thank you Brad for signing my cowboy guitar..rest in peace.
Sherri (Stokke) Paul
February 19, 2009
I grew up listening to Brad (Buster B) playing music on the front step. My sympathy goes out to all those he touched - I know we'll never forget him and his memory will live forever.
Roger Hicks
February 15, 2009
I have always enjoyed picking with you. You had more talent than most people could ever see. I will miss you and your great talent.
Manny Gutierrez sr.
February 13, 2009
I 'll never forget the times i played on stage with Buster and Ron Wise,along with my good friend Ed Marshall In Sumpter Oregon.What great great memories ....Thanks Buster for signing my cd and giving me your guitar pick,You will be missed,see you in Heaven sometime... You forgot to sign my guitar....Manny Gutierrez.Baker City Or
David Elliott
February 13, 2009
I only met Brad (Buster B.) Jones a few times (at the CAAS Convention in Nashville.) He was one of the most incredibly talented guitarists I have ever heard!
His death is a great loss to the world of guitar, as well as music as a whole.
RIP Buster-
Bert Halbwachs
February 12, 2009
When Buster came to Germany in 2004, there were only a handful of people who knows him. After only there days and three shows, all the German guitar players had a new hero. He really trained us how to play. Buster was the most fantastic player we’ve ever seen. We know, that there will never be another one like him. I miss him very much.
Steve Ryan
February 10, 2009
Buster was a truly wondrous talent, and his passing will sadden many here in the UK, where he had lots of fans. He died way too soon, but he will live on in the music played by the countless numbers of guitar players who, like me, learned much of what they know from him. I will dedicate 'I'll See You In My Dreams' to him the next time I perform. Many condolences to Buster's family and personal friends.
Kerry Hurley
February 10, 2009
Buster B - You were truly one-of-a-kind, there will never be another like you, thank you for performing with me on my first cd and around Roanoke during the late 90's and at my club Blue 5 just last year, you loved to share your art with people and it showed, you were an amazing man with amazing talents and you will truly be missed!!
Buster outside at CAAS 2008
Jerry and Dave Nelson
February 9, 2009
Buster--I was great meeting you and Nancy at CAAS, and sitting in the Sheraton Lounge listening to you play and tell stories about your life--It was a joy of a lifetime--You will be missed and CAAS won't be the same without you--Jerry and Dave
Buster B Jones at CAAS 2008
robert wiese
February 9, 2009
Buster--you will be missed greatly by your fans and loved ones--meeting you and listening to you play is a life-changing experience--and your great instructional DVD's and books will be reprinted again and again--I have them all-Bob
Kay Anderson
February 9, 2009
Dedicated to Brad
His Voice
His calloused hands reach out,
they are like velvet caressing the strings,
yes, this is his instrument of song.
As he reaches for the neck of the guitar,
I see intertwining metal, twisted and turned,
bringing fine tuning for the richest of harmony.
His eyes mirror the memories,
as past melodies creep their way back,
bringing a radiating glow upon his face.
His subtle smile is most definable,
showing waves of musical hues,
differing octaves that will always caress his heart,
they beckon him to play once again.
Pulling his instrument closer to his chest,
he begins, only a whisper of a cord,
a seed that gives birth, now emerging into full song.
Energy pulsates from his hands in a shower of electricity,
flying in rapid succession
his is one - he and his instrument.
His voice will not be heard, there are no audible words,
his melodies are far more,
these that come from his hands,
this mans gift of song.
By Brad’s sister Kay
Bobby Gibson
Bobby Gibson
February 9, 2009
Buster and I played a lot of music, a lot of pool, and a lot of darts. I will never forget him. I was with him when he passed, am greatful I was able to play his favorite tune, I'll See You In My Dreams. RIP my friend. Bobby Gibson
Terry Tolley
February 9, 2009
I am a fan of his amazing talent. My condolences to his family and friends.
Brandon Patterson
February 9, 2009
What a tremendous loss to the world of guitar. Buster taught me so much on the guitar with his videos, books and cds. I saw him in concert on several occassions and enjoyed every minute of the show. What a remarkable talent and a great person he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends in their time of grief. He will be truly missed.
Roger Pratt
February 9, 2009
Rest in peace Buster....You left way too soon.
Duane Hess
February 9, 2009
Having traveled thousand of miles with Buster doing concerts and clinics I really miss him. His passing is a great loss to the Music World.
One of the greatest trips was a 2 week tour with son Tom, Tom Bresch and Buster covering 6 states. Buster cooked us some great meals of steaks and of course his famous beans. He was an exceptioal cook as well as one of the worlds greatest guitar players.He called Bev and I mom and dad and was really like a son to us.
I'm glad we could be with him as he passed on.
Duane Hess
Godin Guitar Co.
Chet Rhodes
February 9, 2009
Brad Jones was a friend of mine and a super musician. He has left us much too early. Rest in peace, my friend!
A Family That Has Played Together And Stayed Together
Colleen,Darlene,Kay,Ron, Roger and Gary Jones
February 8, 2009
Brad is our Brother, here we are - our last time all together - sad at the loss of our mother but very happy that we were all together. We will miss him, We are Proud of him and We will always remember him with Good Memories and Lots of Love.
The Jones Brothers And Sisters
Ron, Roger,Gary
Colleen, Darlene, Kay
Lyle McGlynn
February 8, 2009
Brad was my brother inlaw. We had some great times when he was growing up. He used to come out to the farm and help in the fields. Gary, Roger and Brad use to help me pull weeds in the bean fields. Then we would play basketball before I would take them home. I loved to listen to him play his guitar. He wa also a very good drummer. We will miss you Brad
I spent many nights listening to music at the Jones house.
Lisa Osborne
February 8, 2009
Brad was my uncle and always made me feel special. He made me waffles and wrote my name in whipped cream. He played the "Salty Peanut" song for me whenever I asked. We hung wallpaper and played pool and so many other things while I was growing up. I love you Brad.
Gary Taylor
February 8, 2009
Our prayers and kindest thoughts go out to all of his family, and friends.
Buster B will be missed by many. He was a great talent. There was not much that he could not do. As much as he enjoyed playing, I think he really loved to help others learn a lick or a trick about playing. He loved to help young players, and his eyes would sparkle when they got a new lick, or a fast run.
About a month ago, he told me, it is important that the music goes on. That is very nearly the same thing that he said when he did a concert for us on the night of the 9/11 attack, when he and Bobby Gibson let the music go on.
I picture him playing guitar with Chet, Merle, Jerry, and others ....
We will miss him, we will remember him, and we will help the music go on........
Andrea Blake
February 7, 2009
Jenny -
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Andrea
Atlanta, GA
Jenny and Jessie Alex and I pray for you :) Love you
Crystal Jones
February 7, 2009
I was not fortunate enough to know this man however, I have heard nothing but great stories of the lives he touched not only through his family but also through his music. Jenny and Jessie I pray for you everyday if there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to call at anytime:)
With Love
Crystal & Alexandria
Colleen Jones - McGlynn
February 7, 2009
Brad, I have a Lot of Loving Memories of Us and You, what a Great Little Brother You were to Me, What a Great Uncle to my Sons. We are All So Very Proud of You and We will Miss You so much, You are Always in My Heart! I will always Love you.. Until We Meet Again. Colleen
Jenny and Jessie, He was so Proud of You Both, We are sorry for you both and know that Brad will look down upon you and care for you and your families. We love you too!
Frankie Williams
February 7, 2009
Brad
Had some great times in Nashville with you. Untill we meet again.
Lov
Frankie W
Rhonda Halcomb
February 6, 2009
I was very fortunate to have played guitar with Brad through the years in Roanoke. I enjoyed the good times with him and his family, and the friends that came to his house for Saturday pickin parties. I felt like part of the family, and I miss and think of all of you often. Brad was the best guitar player I've ever known and I will always be greatful to have picked and grinned with him.
I will miss you!
Rhonda Halcomb
Maria Vann
February 6, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss Jenny, for you and your family. I did not know Brad, but I knew his music. He was one of the best guitar players I've ever heard. He will be very missed. But his music will live forever. He pursued his dream and he lived it.
Shannon (Steele) Staton
February 6, 2009
Brad,
For so many years, you were not only my dad's best friend, but you were a part of my family. You were such a great part of my life. I feel truly honored to have so many great memories with you and Cindy and the girls. Who knows, maybe you two are hanging out again now. Thanks Brad for the warm memories.
Warren Williams
February 6, 2009
The world will surly miss Brad Jones.
He was a real friend to me. I will never forget the times we played togather. Over the years I thought of him often and tried to keep up with differnt ones who knew him. I was always asking about him. I hope the world appreciates what a great musican he was and will never let his music fade away.
Robert Taylor
February 5, 2009
Brad could have sit down to play with the greatest guitarists of all time and showed them a lick or two. One time I jokingly asked him to play Malaguena. He looked at me real serious and then played one of the most beautiful versions I have ever heard. He was truly one of a kind. I feel honored to have met him and my sympathy goes out to his family.
Cindy Hopkins Wygal
February 5, 2009
I was honored to be taught by this wonderful musician the summer I was 14. He played my 1932 Gibson like a dream. I will cherish my practice pages he wrote. The world has lost a wonderful artist. God Bless & Prayers to the family.
My Dad and me.
Jessica Lee
February 5, 2009
This man is a one of a kind who can be described in so many ways. Not one thing I learned growing up was without his influence. We once took appart the engine of a 75'Nova and rebuilt it. Well he made me do it. He was an inspiration to all who met him and will continue to inspire in heaven. Rest In Peace Brad. I'll think of you everyday.....
My weddng day and my Dad got there 10 minutes before time to start
February 5, 2009
Jenny Hodges
February 5, 2009
Dad,
I will miss you but I know you are in a better place. I am so thakfull you were here to walk me down th isle. Also thank you for everything, you were a great man. The kind that everyone wished they could be. You lived more in your one life time than ten. You will be greatly missed, and always remembered. I love you.
cindy jones thomas
February 5, 2009
brad was a wonderfully talented musician who happened into the lives of me and my girls many years ago and i thank god for the experience. his mind and soul were consumed with his music and a few lucky ones got to taste and feel some of it. he never wanted fortune or fame; all he wanted was to pass it on. i hope he did. rest easy brad. we miss you more than you know.
Shaun Carroll
February 5, 2009
Brad used to come over to the house to play music with my father and friends. Sometimes great musicians would be too embarrassed to pick up their guitars around him. He was that good! I'm shocked he is gone so soon. Brad, you are already missed.
joe hartsel
February 5, 2009
Brad is a friend that I will miss.In the early years we went to Winfield Kansas 1990,1991 together were he won the national finger picking championship,Nashville,and alot of other places..always willing to show you a new lick or if you were lucky he would ask "how you do that? thats clever" Thanks for the memories and friendship. Joe
Susan Bern
February 5, 2009
Brad, you were one of a kind. I am glad to have known you, and I know the music world (especially Europe) will miss you terribly.
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