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Uriel Jones Obituary
Jones — who died Tuesday, according to sister-in-law Leslie Coleman — was part of the Funk Brothers, the house band on Motown recordings.
He played on numerous tracks, including "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" performed by the Temptations, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder, "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin, and versions of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
Paul Riser, a Motown arranger-musician, said Jones had a distinctive, driving sound that drew inspiration from his days as a boxer. Yet, Riser said, Jones also could play with restraint when the song called for it.
"There was a pulse in his playing ... that nobody else had," said Riser, who co-wrote "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." ''He loved music for the sake of music. He loved when it came out good and he hated when it came out bad."
Riser said Jones often played with the surviving Funk Brothers, who were the focus of an acclaimed 2002 documentary film called "Standing in the Shadows of Motown." That film brought the players belated recognition in the wider world that largely escaped them in Motown's 1960s and early '70s heyday.
Riser said he spoke last week with Jones, who was excited about "getting busy again" since being hospitalized with an early February heart attack.
"He expressed to me he missed his first Funk Brothers gig (last month)," Riser said. "I could sense the disappointment in his voice. There was an energy he exuded to get back in the band and get going again."
Jones was one of many Motown musicians who went to the former studio in the Motown Historical Museum on Jan. 12 to help kick off a year of festivities marking the label's 50th anniversary.
Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the lone surviving original member of the Four Tops, used the occasion to praise Jones and his fellow Funk Brothers.
"When they'd finish a song, we, the Four Tops, had a nice phrase," Fakir said. "We'd say, 'Wow, another red carpet to ride on.'"
In an interview with The Associated Press after the ceremony, Jones said the cramped studio where most of Motown's early songs were created deserved as much credit as the players.
"This room is alive," he said. "As far as the musicians are concerned ... we had to have eye contact with one another because we fed off one another. The place just created its own sound."
Coleman described her brother-in-law — who's survived by his wife, June, and three children — as a man of humor and humility.
"He was a father to the fatherless, a brother to the brotherless," she said. "He had a love for people."
110 Entries
Stephen MacLeod
May 12, 2019
I was sad when I read about Uriel Jones dying back in March 2009. I met Uriel at The Drum Festival in Sydney Nova Scotia. I regret that I didn`t get his autogragh. What a nice person he was to talk to. Hard to believe all of the great classics he played on. RIP Uriel. June your husband was fantastic musician. Was a pleasure to meet both of you.
Nazarene Mckinney
February 22, 2017
Motown is the solid rock of the greatest artists, musicians , song writers, composers, arrangers of soul music. Your contributions are a part of history.
May 19, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
How you can show support
Art Stevens
March 24, 2012
On the anniversary of Mr. Jones' death, I would like express my appreciation for his sharing talents with the world.
GERI GRAHAM
July 3, 2011
I WAS SADDEN TO HEAR THE PASSING OF URIEL JONES, AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE, IT'S ALMOST LIKE I KNEW HIM FROM YEARS AGO WHICH I DID IN MUSIC AND NOW I JUST GO BACK AND LISTEN TO HIS PICK UPS'ALMOST SEEING HIS FACE AS I LISTEN TO THEM, MUCH LOVE TO HIS FAMILY.
July 3, 2011
I WAS SADDEN TO HEAR THE PASSING OF URIEL JONES, AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE, IT'S ALMOST LIKE I KNEW HIM FROM YEARS AGO WHICH I DID IN MUSIC AND NOW I JUST GO BACK AND LISTEN TO HIS PICK UPS'ALMOST SEEING HIS FACE AS I LISTEN TO THEM, MUCH LOVE TO HIS FAMILY.
Marty Montgomery
April 14, 2011
man Uriel you are truly missed. I,m glad to had you as a good buddy for over 35yrs. and enjoyed working with you. RIP my brother
August 10, 2009
I didn't know Mr. Jones, but I felt I did after watching the movie featuring the Funk Brothers. I loved his great sense of humor & he will be missed. God bless the family
Cookie (Nashville, TN)
Phillip Dunlap
August 3, 2009
You were the driving back beat I grew up with. May the Lord keep you close. May peace be with you.
Bob DeSimone
June 28, 2009
Uriel.....
You have blessed this world with your talent, your love of music and your beautiful soul. Although I've never met you personally, you will remain an inspiration to me forever.
girlie simpkins
May 30, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Best wishes,Bro.Bridge Muhammad and family
May 4, 2009
Bridge Muhammad
May 4, 2009
I had the privilege of meeting Mr.Uriel in Nov.of '07 when The Funk Brothers were inducted into the Musicians' Hall Of Fame and Museum in Nashvillle,Tn. He was as lovable and humorous as he was in the movie. I was a guest of Mr.Eddie Willis' All of the Funk Brothers and their familes treated me like family. I will never forget how Mr.Uriel,Mr.Babbitt,and Mr.Willis accommodated me. I remember how Mr.Uriel's licks on "Shotgun' sounded so much like the recording that night. I'm honored to say that I had the privilege of meeting one of the "funkiest" drummers the music business has ever known!! May Allah(God)be pleased with Bro.Uriel's time with us.
Peter Richard
April 20, 2009
I am saddened by the passing of Uriel Jones. I took up playing drums at the age of 8, and at that time, Cozy Cole was my inspiration. By the mid 60's, it was Motowns drummers that inspired me. And to this day, I still use the pickups that they used.
Rock and Roll Heaven added another member. RIP, Uriel.
Suzanne Pate
April 15, 2009
You will be missed as on of the greatest drummers ever, but more importantly you humility has left a lasting impression also. An example I hope to follow. Thank you brother and may your family find comfort in Him.
Leslie Crosby
April 8, 2009
My son is a drummer, and a lot of his styles come from listening to the Motown sound, including Mr. Jones's style. I just watched a show featuring Mr. Jones and other Motown musicans earlier this year. He was one of the greatest and will be sadly missed. My condolences to family and friends.
April 7, 2009
I'M GOING TO MISS YOU BROTHER-IN-LAW
LOVE STACY
Mr & Mrs Jones
April 6, 2009
My family and I send our condolences to your family. Mr. Jones has influenced our lives like many others with his music. May the many fond memories of him give you comfort. God's Word can be a source of comfort also. Jesus said that "if you ask anything in my name, I will do it". (John 14:14) This includes asking for the strength to endure your pain. Our heartfelt prayers are for you.
MaryAlma Thomas
April 3, 2009
My condolences to the family of Mr. Jones. Thank you for sharing your loved one with the rest of the world. The soundtrack to so many lives would have been different if not for Mr. Uriel Jones. God bless you.
Jimmy Davis
April 3, 2009
Mr.Jones was on the best.I am a funk drummer from the 60s,a real FUNKATEER.God please bless this family.Mr.Jones was one of the best.
Jimmy D
April 3, 2009
I am a Drummer and a Funkateer from the 60s.Mr.Jones was one of the best.
Peggy Hunter
April 3, 2009
I am a Motown Fan forever. I feel like I know Mr. Jones personally, just as I feel about all of the Motown family. I grew up on the music and still listen to it often.
To the family of Mr. Jones, You have my deepest sympathy and thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.
He has left a mark nobody can erase from history.
God Bless the family. He has taken his rightful place in the band in heaven.
Peggy Hunter
Garner, NC
Michael Brown
April 2, 2009
I am "Ole School" (65yrs) and came up on the driving rhythms of the "Funk Brothers". Being a drummer myself, one have a tendency to pay particular attention to that instrument. I know that an untold number of drummers from "back-in-the-day" did their best to imitate the riffs, rolls, rimshots and "Pop-Eye" effects that Mr. Jones supplied to the music of "The Funk Brothers".We know that he is missed !
Not to worry. The Bible gives hope of a resurrection to faithful and obedient mankind, so there's a wonderful possibility that we will see Uriel again ! At the Bible book of John:5-28 it reads: Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29: and come out . . .
My Deepest Sympathy . . .
Eunice Lindsey
April 2, 2009
My sympathies to the family of Mr. Uriel Jones. I just loved the music of the "Funk Brothers". I especially loved the drums. Mr. Jones was the "best" drummer. Rest in peace, Mr. Jones. You can now play your drums in heaven behind the heavenly choir.
J Alston
April 2, 2009
Mr. Uriel Jones,
My family and I welcomed your musical talent and appreciate the much joy and pleasure you brought to this world. You will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Timothy Young
April 2, 2009
God Bless the family of the late....Uriel Jones, Mr. Jones was a remarkable person and a excellent drummer. The music that he created and the music that he shared in was wonderful. I've enjoyed all his music !!!
Thank You very much for sharing Mr. Jones with us, he will be greatly missed but surly never forgotten!!!!
Sidney Sharp
April 2, 2009
Always appreciated the backup bands and house bands. Hope Mr. Jones knew how much his participation in the music industry made so many people, feel so good.
Richie Rizzi
April 2, 2009
I'm a drummer from South Philly. And I never knew who you were. But it was you Mr. Uriel Jones, on so many beautiful records, who helped inspire my greatest passion in life. And I thank you so much. My love and gratitude to you and your family.
Deborah
April 1, 2009
So sorry to hear of his passing. I was so moved by "Standing in the Shadows". May God be with the family. DDD (Hattiesburg, MS)
V Jackson
April 1, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest in peace Mr.Uriel Jones
Lynne Brady
April 1, 2009
So deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Jones drums have kept the beat of my life and I will hear his drums play through the rest of it until it is time to go along myself. A deeply special man with a one of kind sound, a special talent, a gift to us all. May you all have comfort in this time.
March 31, 2009
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Cynthia, Atlanta Ga
gladys medford
March 31, 2009
i was so sorry to hear about your loss. i have always loved motown music. so does my brothers. may god be with you all, gladys medford.pinetops nc.
Cheryl Pruitt
March 31, 2009
I never knew the Funk Brothers, but I listened and still listen to the wonderful Motown sounds. Mr. Jones, I loved your contributions to many of those songs, My Girl, What Becomes of the Broken-hearted and many more. God Bless you and my condolences to your family for losing such a wonderful person. You will be playing with many greats in Heaven.
Benjamin Corbett
March 31, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing the stage with URIEL, what a gracious gentleman, he signed my snare drumhead!!, CLASSY GUY. My condolences to the family. The love he had for music was heard and felt by us all, HE WILL BE MISSED!!!
Regards Four Tops Drummer
terry miller
March 31, 2009
i never knew anything about the funk brothers until i saw the documentary.....i love the music even more....God bless the family in a time of sorrow
Darnell Ray
March 31, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Herdan
March 30, 2009
One of the greatest joys of my life was seeing the joy in the faces of The Funk Brothers in "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown." The joy they brought to others was being returned to them. After 40 years of teaching music I always stop in my tracks when a Motown song comes on. Your life made all of ours better. Thank you!
March 30, 2009
I never new the Funk Brothers exsisted
until I saw the 2002 documentary which
is a excellent piece of work. Now, when
I listen to a old Motown song.. I pay closer attention to the music and say to myself the "Funk Brothers ". This is not only a loss to the Jones family but also a a loss the music industry. Jones family, your in my prayers...
Thanks, Ms Debbie Peake ... Columbus OH
Carmen Anderson
March 30, 2009
Again the music has died. The Funk
Brothers were so talented. I listen to the Temptations just to hear their music in the background. Especially "Papa was a rolling stone". Their music was unbelievable and unsurpassed here on earth!
Tom Maier
March 30, 2009
Uriel and the Funk Brothers brought and bring so much joy to all of us who are fans of music and the people that play it. I was so thrilled to watch the video of the Funk Brothers and am so thankful that they finally got the attention of all of us who loved their music, but did not know them.
Denisha
March 30, 2009
I am a young one that has suffered from the lost of a loved one. May the comforting thought from the Bible book of Revelation, the 21st chapter, verse 4 be of comfort to the entire Jones family. It reads: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May Our Heavenly Father give you the strength you need to cope with your loss and to make it through these difficult days. I offer my sincere condolences to you all.
Yvonne White
March 30, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Angela F.
March 30, 2009
May the music he made , and the encouraging words found in the Bible at Rev. 21:3,4 bring comfort to the friends and family. God sees the pain and sorrow sickness and death causes and lets' us know, through the Bible, that he will stamp out that enemy.
eileen phillips
March 30, 2009
Dearest Family, My thoughts are with you in your time of grief and sorrow, I turly as sorry for your loss. A wonderful person, so talented. Death is not in Gods purpose for ever, for he promises to wipe every tear from there eyes, nor mourning, nor outcry, nor pain, the former things will have passed away. Revelation 21:4. Take comfort. Sincerely
Nick Cullincini
March 29, 2009
An intricate part of that great music that those of us who grew up with were people like you Mr. Jones. Like many, your music was the backdrop to my life. I pray you rest in peace with Christ Jesus my brother.
March 29, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss please take comfort in the bibles promise of seeing our dead loved ones again
Tara Alexander
March 29, 2009
Taken from us way too soon. Sympathy goes out to the family during this difficult time. His music will live on forever, just as all of the Funk Brothers have in our hearts.
donna
March 29, 2009
thank you for such beautiful music....."what becomes of the broken hearted" is one of my favorite songs ever....
you will bring such fabulous beats to heaven's choir....
my sympathy to the family.
rest in peace.
Emma Henderson
March 29, 2009
Great music that will live forever.Thanks to this man of talent and humbleness.My condolences to family,friends and the world at large.Another giant gone.....
Robert Jones
March 29, 2009
In your time of sorrow, may it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you. May memories be cherished and love remain in your heart. Mr/Mrs. Robert Jones
Jan Brown
March 29, 2009
RIP Mr. Jones. We enjoyed your music for so many years. Jones Family thank you and thank God for sharing this awesome talent with the world.
Gina Albert
March 28, 2009
Sorry to hear of Mr. Uriel Jones' sudden passing on Tuesday march 23,2009. mr. Jones was a very talented musician and drummer who got the job done and knew business with the drums. i always liked the drums for a long time and i knew i wanted to play like the drummers on stage. job well done mr. Jones. you will be sorely by fans of motown like myself. i have "Standing in the Shadows of Motown in my music collection. Rest in peace mr. Jones along with the other members of the funk brothers who have passed on and other Motown legends. Thank you.
March 28, 2009
March 28,2009
Rest In Peace My Brother.
Martha Robinson
Dallas,Texas
Darlene Farr
March 28, 2009
To the Jones Family,
Sorry for the lost of one great man. I have read about the band that was behind the Temptation. He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
Darlene Farr
March 28, 2009
Please accept my hearfelt sympathy for your loss. Thank you for sharing your loved one with so many. Love provides you with wonderful memories. The love of family and friends will sustain you in the days and months to come. As we read at 2nd Corint. 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." Your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of many.
LaDonna Glenn
March 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Claudia Anderson
March 28, 2009
Shall you have everlasting peace. The times we shared as friends will never be forgotten.
Henryk Zaleski
March 28, 2009
Rest in peace.
sarah
March 28, 2009
May you and your Family have comfort in knowing that God promise that he will wipe out every tears from our eyes and death will be no more.
Willie LaPlante
March 28, 2009
Oh my, look at that lineup! That music came from the heart and soul of those folks!
Those were the days and those were the men and women who taught us to work together for the music.
Rest well, Uriel, and now you keep the time with your brothers and sisters who have preceeded you.
March on heavenly choir.
Charles Crouther Jr.
March 28, 2009
Thanks for the Funky Beats.
Andy Crews
March 28, 2009
Brother, you could lay down a groove. I have listened to the opening lick of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" thousands of times. It was perfect, as was all of your work. From one drummer to another - rest in peace.
Dan Page
March 27, 2009
His beat goes on in many drummers who followed him.Probably one of the most influential drummers that was ever recorded.Mr. Jones, Please rest well, my friend.
March 27, 2009
I have in my posession all of Motowns music by every artist. I just love to listen to every musician play their instruments, especially the drum-mers. Every one in Hitsville were FULL of so much music that it's just really incredible, the arrangers, the writers, the singers, the band
leaders, EVERYONE!. Uriel will be surely missed, but he will live on through his music. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Johnny Pool (Round Rock, Texas)
Harold Jordan
March 27, 2009
The " Funk Brothers" will live on for centuries through their music. You will be missed by all your fans around the world.
Hazel Coleman
March 27, 2009
When I am dead, my dearest
When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain:
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.
By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation
Bee Jay Caldwell
March 27, 2009
To the family of Mr Uriel Jones,
I did not know him personally, but I knew his drum beats and of his music with the funk brothers and the music they helped to create for the world. Their movie, "Standing in the Shadows" is a favorite of mine and one that I never tire of watching over and over. I especially like the part where Uriel tells the story of Benny Benjamin and the elephants tying up taffic and he did not even drive. I am personally sadeden by his demise. But he has some fellow "funk brother" in the great beyond. To his family and those "funk brothers" left, may the love you felt for him and the love the creator has you sustain you in this your season of grief. Surely you will miss him, but his drum beats are another testimony of his existance on earth. May Peace be unto you!
March 27, 2009
You all were the greatest.Listen when any of Motown songs sung by the original artists with another band and then put on the real Funk Brothers band burned on all the new high tech stuff. Heaven for your ears. God bless his family and thank you for so many wonderful times. "Standing inthe Shadows was bittersweet for me,some of it was self-explanatory from the Dreamgirls script and from having musician friends and family,you knew how unsung and vastly underpaid,but such is life.
March 27, 2009
Whenever you hear the Motown sound, remember the drum is speaking to you, family.
May you hear the beat it will set you all souls on fire that spiritual fire from on high.
Listen, He is still drumming.
Margaret Presha and Family (Jacksonville, FL
Tinika Clark
March 27, 2009
It is always difficult to lose a loved one. I think we can all find comfort in what the Bible says at John 5:28,29 "The hour is coming in which all those in the memomrial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life". God gives us the promise of seeing our loved ones again through means of the resurrection. The resurrection, based on the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus will bring a feeling of joy to get you through your time of grief.
Sondra Hopson
March 27, 2009
You will forever be remembered by millions thru your music. You brought a lot of jou to my life through your music.I have never meet you, but thank you for the love and good times you shared with us all through your music.. To the family I say, hold each other close and tightly, Our father from above will see you through.May God bless and be with you. Our prayers will continue to be with you.
Gwendolyn Johnson
March 27, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Betty Clancy
March 27, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Turner, Sr. & Family
March 27, 2009
To The Family of The Late Uriel Jones
Lean On God
By: Charles G. Turner, Sr.
In life our love ones and friends sometimes suddenly pass away
For many reasons we don’t understand
Our hearts become heavy with sorrow
Just remember to pray to God and put it in his hands
As time goes on there are days when we feel sad
When that happens think of the good times you’ve had
Lift up your head and carry on
And ask God to make you strong
Lean on God through your stress and strain
And he will surely ease the hurt and pain
Mitch Howard
March 27, 2009
May The Jones Family find comfort in the knowledge that their beloved Uriel is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. May they also find peace knowing that his music will be remembered as the very best that Motown has given to us. The wonderful music that he was a part of will live forever. Uriel Jones continues to live in our hearts, minds, ears, and in Heaven.
He has certainly lived a blessed life.
Gloria Short
March 27, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring all of the family and friends comfort.
PHILIP JOHNSON
March 27, 2009
YOUR MUSIC TOOK ME THRU SOME TRYING TIMES IN MY LIFE. FROM MY EARLY YEARS THRU VIETNAM UP TO TODAY. YOUR MUSIC WAS LIFE. IT GAVE YOU HOPE. YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.TO THE FAMILY YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS.
KEVIN EDMONDS
March 27, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Mary Smith
March 27, 2009
Jones family,
My sincere condolences are sent to the family. Mr. Jones played a significant part, drummer, in crafting the Motown sound. His music is loved by generations and is timeless. God cares for us all and will remember those in the memorial tombs with a resurrection. His words in the scriptures at John 5:28 brings us comfort and gives us hope.
Tommie L. Campbell
March 26, 2009
Deepest Sympathy to the Jones Family
Shirley Gordon
March 26, 2009
'May god bless your every footsteps.'
Garnett Carr
March 26, 2009
From one Drummer to another: "We will miss you!! Glad to have known you! "
Jim Donkel
March 26, 2009
My condolensces go out to the family of Uriel Jones. I grew up to Motown and salute this talented man. His God-given talent was enjoyed by many and will last for generations.
Chris
March 26, 2009
My condolences to the family and friends of Uriel Jones. My family enjoyed "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". The history of the Funk Bros. was amazing. Last night it was great to see Motown night on American Idol, and the Funk Bros. mentioned and described as being the greatest musicians. We will always love the music. Mr. Jones will be missed.
Vicki Hicks
March 26, 2009
After listening to the Motown Sound for many years, the concept of the "Musicians" did not dawn on me. Knowing that, my brother gave me the documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" as a birthday gift. That is by far the greatest documentaries of the Motown era. I came to love and appreciate the Funk Brothers. Mr. Jones, The Drummer Extraordinaire, will be missed. The Jones Family, and the Motown Family have my deepest sympathy.
Angel-Lee Evans
March 26, 2009
You will be sorely missed. As a 1st. Soprano Psalmist in my church choir, I know that a singer isn't ANYTHING without strong, talented musicians working with them and the Funk Brothers of Motown were, quite simply, the best. God Bless you, Mr. Jones.
Jim Dinehart
March 26, 2009
I've listened to your music for over 40 years, and love it as much now as ever. You, "pistol" , and Papa Zita, are the reasons I got into drumming. God bless you, and your family. R.I.P, sir.
B. B. Jackson
March 26, 2009
I grew up in the 60s and Motown was the only music to listen to, in my opinion. I have viewed and enjoyed the documentary done on the Funk Brothers too many times to count, and I enjoy it EVERY time! The music you contributed will never, ever be the same again.
Rest in peace, Mr. Jones, and to your family, my deepest condolences!
Mj Grimes
March 26, 2009
Another Funk Brother gone but never forgotton. Thank you for the many memories of the Motown sound! I grew up, with my sisters on the Motown Sound. Never knowing who was standing in the shadows of the sound of Motown.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown is by far one of the greatest documentaries of music of all time.
Another drummer for the angels in Heaven.
Ebony Mangwiro
March 26, 2009
Wow, the Funk Brothers have lost another great one. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Jones' passing. I hope he is resting in peace with the other brothers that have gone before him. Standing in the Shadows of Motown was a great documentary, and I'm glad the Funk Brothers finally have the recognition that they have long deserved!
Micheal L. Nesbitt
March 26, 2009
REST IN PEACE...
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA.
Jimmy
March 26, 2009
He was great drummer that a few people outside of Motown knew anything about him.Iwas playing with different in the 60s and 70s,If you wanted to stay employed you had to know the Motown beat.It was R and B Funk beats all rapped together.
Matthew G.
March 26, 2009
- Funk Brother - You rise from the background to the Hallowed Ground! May God welcome you with open arms!!
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
- And let perpetual light shine upon him.
d. zimmerman
March 26, 2009
rest in peace, uriel jones
Beverly Watkins
March 26, 2009
I didn't know your name but I loved the way you played the drums on all of the Motown songs.
You will truly be missed!
Thanks for sharing a talent that comes only once in a lifetime.
I'll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace, Old Soldier!
deborah rynkowski
March 26, 2009
i am sorry to hear about uriel jones god and his angels will be watching his familyand peace and love to the family
Rey Criollo
March 26, 2009
Thank You, Funk Brother Jones. Your beat lives in my pulse and your music swells in my soul. You leave part of you with everyone who has the fortune to call the Motown experience "the soundtrack of our lives".
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