Brian Jones

Early Life and Family Background

Brian Jones was an English singer and multi-instrumentalist. He was popularly known as the founder of the Rolling Stones. Brian was born in the Park Nursing Home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on 28 February 1942. His birth name was Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones. An infection that happened at the age of four made him prone to asthma. His mother Louisa was a piano teacher and his father Lewis Blount Jones was an aeronautical engineer with an interest in music too. Brian had two sisters. Due to his family background, he was introduced to music at a young age.

Early Interest in Music

Brian Jones became interested in jazz after listening to Cannonball Adderley’s music when he was a teenager. He soon acquired a saxophone and later his parents presented him with an acoustic guitar. He attended local schools and performed well in studies. But he disliked the discipline and rigidity of school life and got into trouble with the school authorities.

Bohemian Lifestyle and Early Musical Career

Later, he left home to live a bohemian lifestyle. Since he could not maintain this lifestyle for long, he returned home. During the initial years of his musical career, he played at local bars and jazz clubs in London. He became friends with fellow musicians like Alexis Korner, Paul Jones, Jack Bruce, and often performed with them.

The Formation of the Rolling Stones

In May 1962, he placed an announcement in ‘Jazz News’ inviting musicians to audition for a new R&B group. Pianist Ian Stewart, songster Mick Jagger, and guitarist Keith Richards responded to the announcement. Later bassist Bill Wyman also joined the group, which espoused the name the Rolling Stones. During the band’s early days, Jones played the guitar and the harmonica and also served as a backing voice.

Success with the Rolling Stones

The band released ‘The Rolling Stones’ in 1964, which became one of the year’s biggest sellers in the UK, staying at No. 1 for 12 weeks. Motivated by the success of their first album, the Rolling Stones released their next album ‘The Rolling Stones No. 2’ in 1965. This too was a big success and one of the year’s biggest sellers.

Struggles and Departure from the Rolling Stones

Though the band was achieving success upon success, Brian Jones was going through a very difficult phase. The constant traveling and the pressure of Rolling Stones’ rising fame affected Jones’ mental health. He became addicted to alcohol and drugs. These habits affected his physical health very badly. His musical performance was also affected due to this and his fellow bandmates removed him from the Rolling Stones.

Final Days and Death

Brian Jones spent his final days at his Cotchford Farm home in Sussex, England. He was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. On July 3, 1969, Jones was found dead in his swimming pool. He was only 27 years old. The official cause was listed as “death by misadventure.”

Legacy

Jones left behind a lasting musical legacy. He was a founding member of the Rolling Stones and helped shape their early sound. His skill with many instruments added depth to their music. Jones also influenced fashion and style in the 1960s. Today, he is remembered as a talented but troubled musician who died too young. His contributions to rock music continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.