Conrad Rodman Jones III

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.

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