Name: Visitation for Conrad Rodman "Connie" Jones III
Start: 2019-02-19T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2019-02-19T17:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Angela Merici Catholic Church

Conrad "Connie" Rodman Jones III, New Orleans native son and world-renowned Dixieland Jazz legend, died on February 14 at the age of 84. While the City will mourn the loss of his sweet music, none will miss him more than Elaine Blanchard Jones, his wife of 64 years and faithful supporter through the many paths his life and career took. Connie was known among musicians as one of the most talented cornet players to emerge from New Orleans. He began his musical career at the age of five on the piano, and later played the trumpet and cornet. Out of high school, Jones joined the "Basin Street Six," a band that included a young Pete Fountain who became his life-long friend. He played with the bands of Santo Pechora, Jack Teagarden, Billy Krechmer, Billy Maxted, Freddie Kohlman, and "The Dukes of Dixieland." For nine years he toured the country for Columbia Artists with his band "The Crescent City Jazz Band," and later was a band leader for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Jones selflessly supported the careers of New Orleans' horn elite and was a great mentor and teacher to aspiring musicians. While known as the consummate traditional jazz cornet player, his fundamental techniques were considered among the best in the field. Jones was instrumental in the establishment of the French Quarter Festival, and remained an active advocate for it as it became one of the most prominent showcases for jazz music in the country. He continued to be a trumpet and cornet instructor at the New Orleans Jazz Camp. In May 2012, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Loyola University. He is survived by his children Phyllis Jones Conces (J. Guy Conces), Stacie Jones Lotz (Dr. Anthony Lotz), Dennis Rodman Jones (Karen Czerny Jones) and Mark John Jones; grandchildren Jason Anthony Lotz, Jennifer Lotz Williams, Zack Anthony Jones, Carola Conces Binder, James Houston Conces; great-grandchildren Ruby, Maria and Paul, and by his brother Carl Michael Jones. Visitation will be held at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church at 901 Beverly Garden Drive, Metairie, on Tuesday, February 19 from 9:30 to 11:00 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Interment at Garden of Memories after the Mass. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Feb. 16 to Feb. 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Conrad Jones

14 Entries

Willie & Andi Gray

September 19, 2023

We just went to the Connie Jones Tribute at Loyola University this evening... It´s amazing what Connie contributed to the city of New Orleans. A wonderful remembrance of his music with great musicians. He is missed, but his music lives on.

Jimmie Hussey

May 22, 2022

I grew up with Connie on Woodlawn Place in Lakeview. He used to play trumpet in my living room at an early age along with the music from our record player. We use to run the neighborhood and back alleys together. While chopping weeds in the alley he accidentally cut me between the eyes with his large knife. I still have the scar to remember it. We were in the same National Guard in the 1950s together. My mother would bring Connie and I to the Parisian Room on Sundays to hear Sharky Bannano play jazz. Lots of childhood memories together. Hus nickname became "Bones" because he wad tall and thin.
Jimmie Hussey

Rosa Lake (ex-Havens)

February 10, 2020

To Elaine: How well I remember both you and Connie; both, so gracious. Each year, when Bob and I drove to NOLA, you took us "under your wing." It was so much fun to "hang" w/the Mardi Gras street scenes and to hear Pete's "group." You were wonderful hosts! Today, Connie is making music w/Gabriel. Maybe, someday, you and I will meet UP again. Lots of Love, Rosa

rosa lake

March 14, 2019

Dear Elaine,

How well I remember Connie--his perfect music and warmth of friendship. I am so saddened by his passing. He was a fave. Missing him & YOU--

Rosa, formerly Havens--

Howard Kadison

March 8, 2019

He was my friend and teacher. It was a privilege to know him, share
time with him and play music with him. Each day brought joy.
Howard Kadison

Dave & Shirley Giroir

March 3, 2019

Connie was a most beloved first cousin. His passing has evoked memories filled with smiles and laughter of playing together and challenging the patience of Aunt Carol, Helen and Avie. With the passing of time we grew and life set us off on our separate ways. But I still remember the fearsome foursome of Aunts Carol and Adele, mom and dad sitting in the backyard, as dad barbequed. The returning cousins, with thier spouses and children, laughing and playing; picking up as if time had not flown past and we were all back to the beginning of swimming, painting a certain unsuspecting innocent cousin, hiding out until a search party was formed and so many more great times.
Connie's death leaves a black hole in music and the Jones-Giroir family. He unselfishly shared God's blessing with the world of himself and his music. Elaine, Shirley and I love you and your family and will forever hold you in our hearts and prayers.
A tearful farewell to a most beloved cousin and friend.

Diane LOUPE

February 20, 2019

I was friends with Mr. Connie's daughter Phyllis, and I remember he would drop us off at ballet lessons in Algiers before driving into the Quarter to perform. I also remember seeing him playing at the Jazz Fest. My deepest sympathies to the Jones' family.

Stu Barash

February 18, 2019

Connie was one of the great ones. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace my friend.

Patti Lee

Sent Flowers

Judi K

February 17, 2019

My love and sincere condolences to Elaine and the entire family of Connie Jones. The world has truly lost greatness... in the kindness of him and of Elaine, in the complete tastiness of his heavenly sound and in the thoughtful jazz touch of his cornet.
Every solo he created was breath taking on ballads and every solo on traditional pieces created a hard swinging groove. Such a talent is most certainly a big loss to the music world.

Rick Trotter

February 17, 2019

So Sorry to hear of Connie's passing He was a Dear Friend for Many Years a lot of Mardi Gras With Pete and the Walking Club Rest In Peace Connie

Walking trip with Connie and the Band

Patti Lee

February 17, 2019

This wonderful man was so much more than words can express. He was a rare breed, living in the moment of music without ego. On and off the stage he was a leader, teacher, and always a friend. He and his music now belong to the ages, his beloved Elaine, and to the many who so loved him.

Brian Credo M.D.

February 17, 2019

"Jazz is the connection and communication between musicians. Jazz is abandon".--Nat Wolff

My father and Mr. Jones were friends, and spent many hours performing Dixieland on the great Riverboats which are emblematic of our city."Connie" cared a great deal about his fellow musicians, and this fact is one of his greatest legacies.
At this moment, onstage in Heaven's biggest Jazz club, Connie Jones on cornet and Chuck Credo on clarinet have the biggest crowd ever on their feet dancing. Across the room, another pretty good horn player named Gabriel rests his wings against the wall, mesmerized by the sounds from the stage. That pretty much says it all.

February 17, 2019

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

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