"Be remembered as the guy that made me smile"

Deacon Jones:

The Bluesman and the Legends

An accomplished blues artist, composer and arranger, as well as a widely acknowledged master of the Hammond B3 organ, DEACON JONES served for over 18 years as band leader for blues legend John Lee Hooker, having earlier performed in a similar capacity for Freddie King and Curtis Mayfield. His original composition, We'll Meet Again, was the featured single on John Lee Hooker's 1996 Grammy Award-winning platinum CD, Chill Out.

Deacon studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and at the University of Chicago. He has toured and recorded with numerous jazz, blues and rock luminaries including Eric Clapton, Elvin Bishop, Joe Cocker, Joe Louis Walker, Carlos Santana, Buddy Miles, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Hank Ballard, Noel Redding, Micκ Fleetwood, Marva Wright, Willie Dixon and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
He has been featured at countless clubs and concerts worldwide, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montrose Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the San Francisco Blues Festival. As a solo artist, songwriter and producer, he has released several CDs, including Let's Talk About the Blues, Live and Smoking, Jonesen For Money and Makin' Blues History, which feature guest performances by Gregg Allman, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Elvin Bishop, Katie Webster and others.
Deacon currently resides in Los Angeles, where he leads bands in various configurations, small and large, under the names of The Deacon Jones Blues Band and The Bucket of Blues Band. Deacon has published memoir at the book “The Blues Man: 40 Years with the Blues Legends” (2004), the life and times of Melvyn "Deacon" Jones.

Interview by Michael Limnios

When was your first desire to become involved in the blues & who were your first idols?
My first desire was in 1972 when I joined Freddie King Blues Band. First idols Freddie King, JR Wells, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Clyde Copeland, John Lee Hooker

What does “Organ” mean to you?
The main instrument in church and the soul instrument in blues band

Which was the best moment of your career and which was the worst?
The best moment was in 1975 in L.A. at Starwood in Hollywood when I was on stage with Freddie, Eric Clapton, Noel Redding, Buddy Miles, Cash McCan and Joe Cocker.
The worst when I almost got shot for tryin to get paid.

How would you describe your contact to people when you are on stage?
That I am serious about what I’m done

Which is the most interesting period in your life and why?
In December 1992 when I separated from my 3th wife and was very depressed and then I met Pamela Hill and my whole life changed for the better.

From whom have you have learned the most secrets about music?
John lee Hooker and Freddie King

What compliment do you appreciate the most from John Lee Hooker?

Deacon is one of the finest organ players around.

Three words to describe John Lee Hooker
Funny, Magical and Generous.

Where did you pick up your style, what were the first songs you learned?
My style comes from Jimmy Smith, favorite songs: “The Sermon”, “Back at Chicken Shack”, “After Hours”

What was the first gig you ever went to, what are some of the memorable gigs you've had?
My first gig was in tack room at YMCA, too many mentions from gigs...

How do you want to be remembered?
Be remembered as the guy that made me smile

Do you think that your music comes from the heart, the brain or the soul?
… THE SOUL …

Some music styles can be fads but the blues is always with us.  Why do think that is? Give one wish for the BLUES
The blues is the roots to all American music. May the blues live forever and the blues fans never die.

Who are some of your favorite blues musician of today & what was the last record you bought?
Dr. John, Joe Louis Walker, Gregg Allman

In which songs can someone hear the best of your work?
My original songs on my CDs

What’s the best jam you ever played in?

The Starwood In Hollywood 1975

Why did you think that Deacon Jones, continued to generate such a devoted following?
I’m never rube anyone

How do you get inspiration for your songs & what musicians have influenced you most as a songwriter?
The lyrics just come to me. John Lee Hooker is real the most influence to me.

If you go back to the past what things you would do better and what things you would a void to do again?
I would not have been a drinker

What do you think is the main characteristic of your personality that made you a musician?
My grandma and my brother

To which person do you want to send one from your songs?
Record label to get a deal

Are there any memories from with Willie Dixon, which you’d like to share with us?
He heard my originals and said “Give in, Give out, but Never Give Up”

Which of historical blues personalities would you like to meet?
I’ve meet them all. Please read my book "The Blues Man: 40 Years with the Blues Legends"

Are there any memories from “THE BLUES MAN with THE BLUES LEGENDS”, which you’d like to share with us?

My book inclusive all the memories, the life and times of Melvyn "Deacon" Jones  as told to M. Jonathan Hayes. Really 40 years with the blues legends, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, B.B King, Curtis Mayfield, Willie Dixon

Of all the people you’ve meeting with, who do you admire the most?
B.B. King

Three words to describe Freddie King
Real Deal Bluesman

How has the music business changed over the years since you first started in music?
Everything going karaoke, imitation sounds, not the real deal, we can it fake music

With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction musically?
To write a song that was on John Lee Hooker CD titled “We’ll Meet Again”, the CD won a Grammy

Deacon Jones Blues Band's website

                                                        Photo Credits: Michael Gliona