Sam Jones' father was a pianist, but Sam studied guitar and played drums during
his school years. He took up the double bass (1945), made his debut as a
musician, and led a rhythm'n'blues band (1947-1948). He moved to New York in
1949. In 1953, he was hired in Cincinnati by Tiny Bradshaw as a bassist, with
whom he recorded. From this point on, Sam Jones entered the bebop scene, joining
Julius Watkins and Charlie Rouse's group Jazz Modes (1955). He went on to play
with the Jazz Prophets, a group formed by Kenny Dorham after his stint with the
Jazz Messengers. It was with the Adder...