Teresa Spencer
Words by Teresa Spencer
Sam Jones was a highly influential jazz bassist and cellist, best known for his work with Cannonball Adderley and Oscar Peterson. Born in Jacksonville in 1924, he grew up in a musical family and moved to New York City in 1955 to pursue his own career in music. He quickly became a sought-after sideman, performing with jazz greats such as Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans and Freddie Hubbard. His deep, rhythmic playing style and solid timekeeping made him a key figure in numerous ensembles. He was a longtime member of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, contributing to its success from 1955 to 1956 and then from 1959 to 1964, and later played with Oscar Peterson from 1966 to 1970.
Beyond his role as a sideman, Jones was also a skilled composer and bandleader. He wrote several jazz standards, including “Del Sasser” and “Unit 7,” both of which became widely performed pieces. In the 1970s, he recorded multiple albums as a leader for labels like Xanadu and SteepleChase, showcasing his compositional talents and refined technique. His other notable compositions include “Blue Funk,” “O.P.,” “Bittersweet” and “Seven Minds.” Jones continued performing and recording until his death from lung cancer in 1981 at the age of 57. His style and recordings have influenced many performers in the jazz arena since his passing.
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