Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones

Miami Florida - Photo taken by Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones

HEN YOU CAN INSTANTLY

IDENTIFY EMOTIONS OF LOVE, COMPASSION AND FORTITUDE

WITHIN A SERIES OF

ADORINGLY ORCHESTRATED

CHORD PROGRESSIONS, YOU

ARE LIKELY LISTENING TO THE MUSIC OF

RAYMOND JONES. His sensitivity to, respect for and mastery of

music elevated him to the highest echelons

of admiration within the arts community.

Raymond‟s passions for life, joy, artistic

excellence, freedom and utter-keeping-it-

real-ness rushed as fluidly from his fingers

onto piano keys as they did from his heart to

yours. To know Raymond Jones, you have

felt his love, shared his laughter, been

pushed in some manner beyond your

comfort zone for the better and - most

importantly - known how it feels to be

unconditionally loved for simply, honestly

being you.

Raymond Jones was born December 13,

1958 in New York City to Herman and

Charlotte Jones, both of whom worked as

civil servants for the city. Young Raymond

was a very active and curious child. He

wanted to know what made things work and

what was going on beneath the surface. “He

liked to get into things and fool around,” his

mother recalls.

Raymond first exhibited an interest in music

around the age of 4. When he was 8, he and

his big sister Marcia would attend the Third

Street Music Settlement in Manhattan every

Saturday morning. Raymond proved

exceptionally gifted. “He was a very good

dancer, too,” his mother adds. Raymond

attended Intermediate School 72 (I.S. 72) in

Queens for junior high school, then

advanced to the prestigious

math/science/engineering institution

Brooklyn Technical High School with class

mates that included future Living Colour

guitar shredder Vernon Reid and soul

crooner Miles Jaye. Raymond‟s first

exposure to a recording studio was when he

and two buddies cut class to attend a session

for soul-jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers‟ album

A Tear to A Smile that lasted long into the

night at Jimi Hendrix‟s famed Electric Lady

Studios. It was there that Raymond got a

good glimpse of the musician‟s life destined

to become his.

He was already in his salad years as a

professional musician, playing with Latin

bands and falling under the spell of the

almighty clave pulse. Most of his training

was done with private instructors or by his

own accord. Embracing and integrating

music from around the globe and in genres

of Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Jazz, Club and

Classical, his influences and inspirations

were exhaustive - though he deeply

appreciated Chicago

composer/arranger/producer Charles

Stepney, Brazilian songwriter Milton

Nascimento and jazz/classical pianist Keith

Jarrett as kindred spirits. For all of the

amazing things he would go on to

accomplish as a leader and player, Raymond

never ceased being a student of music in all

its pan-cultural wonder.

During the process of building his reputation

in local jazz bands as well as dance outfits

like Ecstasy, Pleasure & Pain, Raymond was

invited by drummer Tony Thompson to sit

in on a gig with bassist Bernard Edwards

and guitarist Nile Rodgers. The headstrong

duo was putting together a unique group that

would celebrate “dance” music down

through the ages in a continuum of swing

and funk with classical and cinematic

flourishes, distinguishing itself from the

mustier masses. Fittingly, the band would be

called Chic and 19 year-old Raymond fit

them like a black silk glove. Along with

singers Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson,

Luci Martin, Rob Sabino and the “Chic

Strings,” Raymond enjoyed a turbulent yet

Raymond Jones

AFTER RELOCATING FROM WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA TO ATLANTA, JONES RECORDED HIS FINAL

UEG PROJECT, HILLSIDE STORIES (2007). HE ALSO RECORDED ONE HOLIDAY SINGLE: “CHRISTMAS

BLUE” B/W “THE FIRST NOEL.”

JONES COMPOSED A PIECE FOR THE MULTI-MOVEMENT BALLET “MOVE” BY THE DEEPLY ROOTED BALLET

COMPANY OF CHICAGO. HE ALSO MADE VITAL MUSICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MUSICAL “FELA”

BEFORE IT LEFT BROADWAY FOR THE TOUR CIRCUIT.

RAYMOND IS SURVIVED BY HIS MOTHER CHARLOTTE JONES OF JAMAICA, QUEENS, HIS NIECE ZUBAIDAH

GUY OF JAMAICA, QUEENS, HIS HALF SISTER GWENDOLYN MAXWELL AND HIS HALF BROTHER ARTHUR

HARDEN, SISTER IN LAW CAROLYN HARDEN, NEPHEW ARTHUR HARDEN JR., NIECE KELLY WARREN, NIECES

CARLA JONES, ELAINE JONES AND BRENDA JONES, JOHN & ELLEN JONES, DONNA JONES, NEPHEWS DALE

JONES, STACY JONES AND MARK JONES, FIRST COUSINS ANDREW & LIZ JONES, SHIRLEY MURRAY, RICHARD

MURRAY, TOMMY MURRAY AND RONALD HARTRIDGE, AND A HOST MORE FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS.

Raymond Jones

AFTER MEETING FILM DIRECTOR SPIKE LEE THROUGH A HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND, JONES WENT ON TO

WRITE AND PRODUCE SONGS FOR FIVE OF HIS FILMS INCLUDING “SCHOOL DAZE” (FEATURING “BE

ALONE TONIGHT” SUNG BY FICTIONAL GIRL GROUP THE RAYS), “DO THE RIGHT THING” (FEATURING

“NEVER EXPLAIN LOVE” SUNG BY AL JARREAU), AND “CLOCKERS” (FEATURING “PEOPLE IN SEARCH OF

A LIFE” SUNG BY MARC DORSEY). LEE ALSO SIGNED RAYMOND TO HIS FORTY ACRES AND A MULE

MUSIC WORKS/SONY RECORD LABEL VIA THE DUO STATE OF ART, A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SOUL GROUP

THAT REUNITED HIM WITH HIS FRIEND FROM CHIC, SINGER NORMA JEAN WRIGHT. THEY RECORDED

ONE PROJECT FOR LEE’S SHORT-LIVED MUSIC COMPANY TITLED COMMUNITY FEATURING THE TOP 40

BILLBOARD R&B SINGLE “UNDERSTANDING”. JONES ALSO PRODUCED THE MUSIC FOR THE 2009 SUPER

BOWL COMMERCIAL FOR PEPSI FEATURING BEYONCE’ AND DIRECTED BY LEE.

JONES ALSO DID STINTS WITH SINGER/SONGWRITER NONA HENDRYX, AND AN ECLECTIC ARRAY OF

BANDS INCLUDING MATERIAL, TALKING HEADS, TOM TOM CLUB, AND ECSTASY, PASSION AND PAIN.

IN HOLLYWOOD, JONES CONTRIBUTED MUSIC PRODUCTION TO MOVIES SUCH AS “LITTLE DRUMMER

GIRL,” “SPLASH” AND “TAPEHEADS.” HE SCORED THE RIBALD COMEDY FILM “WASABI TUNA.” HE

PRODUCED SONGS FOR “SOUL MEN” STARRING SAMUEL L. JACKSON AND BERNIE MAC. AND HE WAS

THE MUSIC DIRECTOR FOR FOX-TV’S “THE KEENEN IVORY WAYANS SHOW.”

JONES LAUNCHED UEG MUSIC IN THE LATE 1990S, TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE INDUSTRY

CLIMATE THAT WAS RIPE FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS. HE WOULD RECORD AND RELEASE FIVE CDS ON

UEG, MAKING HIS MUSICAL MAIDEN VOYAGE WITH ACTS OF LOVE (1997), FOLLOWED BY NAKED SOUL

(1999) WHICH FEATURED HIS SIGNATURE SONG, “CODAJAS,” SUNG IN PORTUGUESE BY WILL

WHEATON. NEXT CAME INTIMATE (2001) AND THE SOLO PIANO RECORDING SO AMAZING: SONGS

FROM THE LUTHER VANDROSS SONGBOOK (2004) IN TRIBUTE TO HIS GOOD FRIEND WHOM HE WORKED

WITH IN CHIC.

Raymond Jones

thrilling four-year magic carpet ride of

history-making hits, gold and platinum

albums, tours around the world, and all the

madness that comes with them. Joining “The

Chic Organization” just in time for its

second album C’est Chic in 1978, Raymond

graced classics such as “Le Freak,” “I Want

Your Love,” “My Forbidden Lover” and the

summertime standard “Good Times” (from

Risque’) that became a bedrock sample in

Hip Hop. He also contributed to songs

produced by Edwards & Rodgers such as

“Upside Down” by superstar Diana Ross

and the anthem “We Are Family” by Sister

Sledge – among many others. “Chic inspired

me to do what I believe in,” Raymond once

mused. “Everything has its time and an

audience will find what you do if you are

true to your musical vision.”

A longtime fan of the vocal trio LaBelle,

Raymond was ecstatic to be asked to record

and perform with that group‟s sensually

singular singer/songwriter Nona Hendryx in

a band that was expanding upon a

progressive blend of rock and soul. Further

work with alternative groups such as Bill

Laswell‟s Material, Talking Heads and Tom

Tom Club followed. Raymond co-wrote the

1983 club hit “Build Me a Bridge” by

German sensation Adel Bertei, produced by

English synthesizer wiz Thomas Dolby. He

also aced mainstream gigs with R&B stars

Chaka Khan and Deniece Williams.

It was at this time that the ubiquitous George

Duke implored Raymond to come to Los

Angeles and assist him with the plethora of

production assignments falling into his lap.

Raymond scored a Top 5 R&B/Top 30 Pop

hit right out of the box by composing “Stay

With Me Tonight,” the peppy high-tech

synth and electronic drums-pulsed title track

of former LTD lead singer Jeffrey Osborne‟s

second solo album. When the record took

off, Raymond, too, took flight as the

Musical Director for Osborne‟s band on the

road when he wasn‟t working with Duke on

further projects for the likes of Angela

Bofill, Joyce “Baby Jean” Kennedy and

Stephanie Mills (for whom he wrote the

Quiet Storm burner “Rising Desire”). In `84,

he logged another Top 10 R&B hit for

Osborne with the dance track “The

Borderlines,” a song of romantic intrigue

about a forbidden intercontinental love

affair. Then in `85, he placed “Someone for

Me” – a song he co-wrote with “Ready”

Freddie Washington – on Whitney

Houston‟s self-titled debut Lp. It was

released as a single in the U.K., but not in

the U.S. Nevertheless, the full album has

sold over 13 million copies in the U.S. and

25 million worldwide. Raymond‟s bank

account and industry cache‟ went through

the ceiling.

In Hollywood, Raymond got his feet wet

with music production in movies such as

“Little Drummer Girl,” “Splash” and

“Tapeheads.” Still, Raymond kept his

friends close and new friends were always

welcome. The same buddies he cut class

with to see the Roy Ayers session came

together again to meet a new film director

named Spike Lee to discuss potential

investment in his first major movie, “She‟s

Gotta Have It.” Raymond proved more

invaluable as a songwriter/producer for

Spike‟s next big motion picture

extravaganza – a musical drama titled

“School Daze.” Raymond contributed the

music, lyrics and production to two key

songs for the 1988 project.

The first, “Be Alone Tonight,” is a Reggae-

kissed soul piece sung in the film by the

fictional Black college girl group The Rays

(short for Gamma Rays in keeping with the

fraternity-sorority storyline but also as a nod

to Mr. Jones). The group consisted of lead

singer Tisha Campbell and members

Jasmine Guy, Paula Brown & Angela Ali.

So popular with moviegoers was the song

that it was released as a single and video,

Raymond Jones

and today is often reprised by gleeful wanna

be‟s – professional and amateur alike.

Raymond‟s second contribution to “School

Daze” is the closing credits theme “We

Already Said Goodbye (Before We Say

Hello),” an ambitiously arranged “so long”

love song performed by Washington D.C.‟s

Pieces of a Dream, augmented by vocal

powerhouse Portia Griffin and saxophonist

supreme Branford Marsalis. This is the first

of Raymond‟s compositions that pointed to

the full scope and breadth of his artistry via

its emphatic syncopation, sophisticated

harmony and incorporation of strings

arranged by the great Clare Fischer who

would become a kindred partner in key

works to come.

Raymond contributed several songs to four

more of Lee‟s films. To the iconic “Do The

Right Thing” (1989) he produced and/or co-

penned the closing credits theme “Never

Explain Love” sung by Al Jarreau, as well

as “Feels So Good” and “Prove to Me” by

the sister vocal quartet Perri, and “Hard to

Say,” a duet by Gerald Alston and Lori

Perry. To the modern jazz/love triangle story

“Mo‟ Better Blues” (1990), Raymond

musically and lyrically adapted the classic

“Harlem Blues” – originally from the pen of

Memphis music master W.C. Handy: The

Father of The Blues - and featured actress

Cynda Williams who performed the song in

a pivotal scene in the film portraying

aspiring singer “Clarke Bentancourt.”

Jumping five years to the gritty inner city

parable “Clockers” (1995), Raymond

composed and produced the thought-

provoking main title theme “People in

Search of a Life” sung by then-up-and-

comer Marc Dorsey. And the next year for

“Get on the Bus” (1996) - Lee‟s homage to

the historic Million Man March - Raymond

wrote and produced two of the only original

songs from a set of primarily pre-recorded

songs: “I Love My Woman” (sung by

Marvin Davis) and “Welcome” (Marc

Dorsey).

Screen-wise, Raymond and Spike Lee

collaborated twice more – on a proposed

movie version of “Rent,” and a grand 2003

Pepsi television commercial starring

Beyonce‟, inspired by Bizet‟s “Habanera”

from the opera “Carmen.” Lee also signed

Raymond to his Forty Acres and a Mule

Music Works venture (through Sony) as half

of the duo State of Art, a socially and

culturally conscious soul group that reunited

him with his friend from Chic, Norma Jean

Wright. They recorded one richly eclectic

project for Lee‟s short-lived music company

titled Community featuring the Top 40

Billboard R&B single “Understanding,”

graced with an intricate sting arrangement

over a tight Soul II Soul-esque beat

definitive of the era, plus a video directed by

Lee. “Laughing at the Years” was the

follow-up single and Lee shot a video for a

third selection titled “Beating Heart.” All

involved called in an astonishing collection

of guests - from jazz sax legend Joe

Henderson and South African vocal

ambassadors Ladysmith Black Mambazo to

funk bass king William “Bootsy” Collins. In

addition to State of Art, Raymond produced

half of singer/songwriter/actress Lonette

McKee‟s 40 Acres release, Natural Love.

All the while, Raymond was growing ever

in-demand as a contributor to albums by

artists that sought him out not necessarily

for chart-topping singles, rather

sophisticated spice tracks that consistently

became fan favorite album cuts, beloved for

their emotional and musical depth. Prime

examples are “Last Goodbye,” the closing

song from Lisa Fischer‟s So Intense, “Better

as a Memory” and the mind-blowing “Do

You Suppose” from Lalah Hathaway‟s

sophomore CD A Moment, and the power

ballad “I Can‟t Complain” by diva Patti

Labelle for her CD Be Yourself.

Raymond Jones

AYMOND JONES, A HIT-MAKING SONGWRITER, PRODUCER AND KEYBOARDIST FOR THE

SEMINAL DANCE BAND CHIC, WHITNEY HOUSTON, JEFFREY OSBORNE, PATTI LABELLE, STEPHANIE

MILLS AND SONGS IN FIVE FILMS BY SPIKE LEE, DIED ON FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011.

JONES, 52, DIED OF PNEUMONIA AT SOUTH FULTON MEDICAL CENTER IN ATLANTA.

RAYMOND JONES WAS BORN DECEMBER 13, 1958 IN NEW YORK CITY TO HERMAN AND CHARLOTTE

JONES, AND RAISED IN LAURELTON, QUEENS. HIS PARENTS WERE CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING FOR THE

CITY OF NEW YORK. ALONG WITH HIS OLDER SISTER MARCIA, YOUNG RAYMOND RECEIVED HIS INITIAL

MUSIC INSTRUCTION ON PIANO BEGINNING AT 8 YEARS-OLD AT THIRD STREET MUSIC SETTLEMENT IN

MANHATTAN FOLLOWED BY YEARS OF PRIVATE STUDY. HE ATTENDED INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 72

QUEENS AND BROOKLYN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.

JONES WAS 19 YEARS-OLD WHEN HE JOINED BERNARD EDWARDS’ AND NILE RODGERS’ GROUP CHIC,

PLAYING KEYBOARDS ON THE INTERNATIONAL SMASHES ”GOOD TIMES”, “LE FREAK” AND “I WANT

YOUR LOVE”, AS WELL AS CHIC PRODUCTIONS SUCH AS DIANA ROSS’S “UPSIDE DOWN" AND SISTER

SLEDGE’S UNIVERSAL ANTHEM “WE ARE FAMILY".

JONES BECAME MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR RHYTHM & BLUES ARTIST JEFFREY OSBORNE AND PENNED HIS

TOP 10 R&B HITS “STAY WITH ME TONIGHT” AND “BORDERLINES”. HE CO-WROTE THE 1983 CLUB

HIT “BUILD ME A BRIDGE” BY GERMAN SENSATION ADEL BERTEI, AND LATER WROTE AND PRODUCED

MEMORABLE GEMS SUCH AS LISA FISCHER’S “LAST GOODBYE”, LALAH HATHAWAY’S “DO YOU

SUPPOSE”, AND THE POWER BALLAD “I CAN’T COMPLAIN” BY PATTI LABELLE FOR HER CD BE

YOURSELF. JONES’ SONG “SOMEONE FOR ME” (CO-WRITTEN WITH BASSIST FREDDIE WASHINGTON)

WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF WHITNEY HOUSTON’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM WHICH SOLD 25 MILLION UNITS

WORLDWIDE.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Regarding a certain cast member’s singing abilities, from a popular Bravo TV series. He was asked the question, if someone is tone deaf, can they be trained to sing in key? Ray swiftly replied, “They taught Helen Keller 2 communicate.” Then added, “…She is a walking talking example of using technology to enhance one’s life.”

Raymond Jones

Raymond was also called to be Music

Director for the short-lived “Keenen Ivory

Wayans Show” putting the on-camera all-

female band through its paces behind the

scenes. “I learned how to run a band from

Bernard Edwards,” Raymond once

sated…which means those young ladies

were made to put in W.O.R.K.

Finally ready to embark upon his lifelong

dream of recording his own music,

Raymond launched UEG Music, taking full

advantage of the industry climate that was

ripe for independent artists. In an interview

posted on the website chictribute.com,

Raymond reasoned of his segue into solo

work, “All those other things were done

with the idea in mind that I would be able to

share my musical vision with the world one

day. Now with the Internet and low cost

means of producing high quality product,

that dream is becoming reality.” Raymond

would record and release five CDs on UEG.

Raymond made his musical maiden voyage

in 1997 with Acts of Love, a heart-on-sleeve

project of bold vulnerability comprised of

ballads, instrumentals, club jams and poetry

interludes. It also established his solo works

as not only outlets for his writing, singing,

playing and production creativity, but also

that of lovingly cast musical friends he

believed in and for whom he wished to

provide first class showcases for their

talents.

Highlights included “Woman‟s Touch”

featuring singer/co-writer Alex Brown, and

the cinematic love waltz “It All Comes

Around” sung by Alexx Daye..

He followed this album up with the even

stronger Naked Soul (1999) which featured

the song that would become his signature,

“Codajas,” about a municipality located in

the Brazilian state of Amazonas, and sung in

Portuguese by Arnold McCuller. Raymond

shot an evocative video of himself blending

in among the locals and locale of Brazil,

among his favorite places on Earth. Also

featured on this 11-song project are the

lightly swingin‟ “So Many Close to You”

(sung by Lynne Fiddmont), the pulsating

bottom heavy instrumental “South Beach

Fantasy,” the cautionary “The Easy Way,”

and a solo piano meditation titled “Peaceful

Journey” in memory of his father.

Next came Intimate (2001) featuring the

sultry “Bad for Me,” his modern takes on

Blues (“Dance”) and Salsa (“I Hope We‟ll

Be Dancing”), and the introspective

instrumental “Destiny.” Raymond next

realized another dream by sojourning to

Chick Corea‟s Mad Hatter Studios to record

the solo piano project So Amazing: Songs

from the Luther Vandross Songbook (2004),

in tribute to the good friend he worked with

in Chic. A few years prior, Vandross had

invited Raymond to play solo piano at an

exclusive press soiree‟ which inspired him

to record the CD…though after Vandross

had a stroke, Raymond did not wish for

anyone to think he was sentimentally

cashing in on his friend‟s misfortune. The 9

songs swing from a buoyantly boppin‟ take

on “Killing Me Softly” to penetrating

excursions thru “There‟s Nothing Better

Than Love” and “Here and Now.”

Raymond recorded his final project, Hillside

Stories (2007), after relocating from

Woodland Hills, California to Atlanta,

Georgia. It is a politically explosive

timebomb – 13 original songs in the spirit of

heroes Nina Simone, Gil Scott-Heron, and

MeShell NdegeOcello that chronicle life

injustices and unsavory realities using

characters and scenarios from around the

world. Though every song here is essential,

particularly arresting are “2040” (twisted

prophetical observations that smack of

Steely Dan), a nod of solidarity to the Black

revolutionary freedom fighters of the `60s

and `70s titled “Dossier,” the farewell to a

friend “Eastern Bay” (featuring Randy Hall

on acoustic and electric guitars), and a

prayer for displaced and exploited children

Raymond Jones

titled “Promenade.” Also of note, “The

Irony” details why he had to get out of

L.A… Raymond also recorded one holiday

single for UEG: his composition “Christmas

Blue” b/w “The First Noel.”

The recordings of Raymond Jones are the

souvenirs we will forever have within our

reach to remember him by. But the true

righteous essence of Raymond lies in his

heart which always led him to endeavor in

benevolent acts of tribute, honor and respect

for artists, art forms and entities he deemed

“worthy.” And he was quick to pull in as

many of his friends as he could to make

them happen. These projects include a sold

out all-star tribute to pianist Kenny Kirkland

at Catalina Bar & Grill in Los Angeles with

all money going to assist his family in the

wake of his sudden passing in 1988. More

recently was his 2009 fundraising concert in

Brooklyn for African historian Dr. Yosef.A.

ben-jochannan. Before his own passing,

Raymond was also organizing a living

tribute to cancer-stricken Chic-co-founder

Nile Rodgers. Such was the heart of the

man.

Raymond was very proud to have been

commissioned to compose a piece for the

multi-movement ballet “Move” by the

Deeply Rooted ballet company of Chicago.

He also made vital musical contributions to

the musical “Fela” before it left Broadway

for the tour circuit. After all those years of

writing great songs for Spike Lee‟s films,

Raymond scored an entire picture with the

ribald comedy “Wasabi Tuna” (2003),

followed by the unforgettable task of

producing songs for actor/comedians Bernie

Mac and Samuel L. Jackson to „sing‟ in

another comedy, “Soul Men” (2008).

Clearly, Raymond was never averse to

rolling up his sleeves.

Raymond was always developing projects as

if on a mission, one of which was his

concept for a revolving door band of soul

musicians he dubbed The Ministers of Soul.

A show in Los Angeles featured Steve

Ferrone on drums, Freddie Washington on

bass, Fred Clark on guitar, Hense Powell on

keys and singer Will Wheaton along with

Raymond and a horn section. He‟d hoped to

stage similar shows with different cats in

New York, Atlanta, Florida and D.C.

Another dream project he‟d hoped to realize

was an event in Atlanta that brought

together great musicians from the many

nations he visited in Africa, Brazil and the

Caribbean.

If anyone ever deserved to declare “I Am the

Black Gold of the Sun” it was Raymond

Jones. We will miss his kindness, his

comedic irreverence, the contagiousness of

his laughter and his “quiet intensity – always

on top of things but never loud about it,” as

fellow keyboardist Onaje Allan Gumbs

describes remembering him back on the

Chaka Khan tour. Raymond was crazy for

phenomenal music, hot gadgets, real people,

CNN and the gym. He was strong minded

and extremely opinionated. He did not suffer

fools tactfully and was intolerable toward

talented folks he felt were wasting their

gifts. He strove to help others in hopes of

seeing them pull themselves to even higher

heights. He was a leader, a teacher, a

motivator and an inspiration. And Raymond

was the best band mate, friend, brother,

uncle and son one could ever have.

Raymond Jones passed away on Friday, July

1, 2011, of pneumonia at South Fulton

Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. He was 52.

Raymond is survived by his mother

Charlotte Jones of Jamaica, Queens, his

niece Zubaidah Guy of Jamaica, Queens, his

half sister Gwendolyn Maxwell and his half

brother Arthur Harden, sister in law Carolyn

Harden, nephew Arthur Harden Jr., niece

Kelly Warren, nieces Carla Jones, Elaine

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond Jones

Jones and Brenda Jones, John & Ellen

Jones, Donna Jones, nephews Dale Jones,

Stacy Jones and Mark Jones, first cousins

Andrew & Liz Jones, Shirley Murray,

Richard Murray, Tommy Murray and

Ronald Hartridge, and a host more family

and close friends.

In life, Raymond danced a mean push and pull when it came to acknowledging his outstanding

accomplishments or accepting accolades. He was far more comfortable giving than receiving. For this

reason, few truly knew the extent of all he‟d done in his lifetime. With exceeding love and bittersweet

saudade (a Brazilian Portuguese term meaning “nostalgic longing for someone that one was fond of”), we

are ensuring that the world now knows. All gathered here today - as well as his fans and friends around

the globe in every realm of the social networking community that has made the world a more intimate

place - were fortunate to have known Raymond and have priceless chapters to cherish and share.

Raymond rests easy in the knowing of this and now implores us thusly thru his song “Have a Laugh”:

“Find your happiness wherever you may…and share a laugh with an old friend.”

– A. Scott Galloway

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Worker in Salvador near elevator that runs between Pelourinho and the marketplace/ports below.

Photo from Ray’s trip to Brasil March 2010. .

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Photo from Ray’s trip to Brasil March 2010.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Vernon Reid Raymond, I will always hold you in my heart. You've been like a brother to me since we met in the back of Ms. Ross's class in Brooklyn Tech, way back in the Jurassic. We laughed our heads off & never fit in! You helped light my way with your musical brilliance & integrity. I would NEVER have dreamed of becoming a musician AT ALL, if not for your extraordinary love & passion for Jazz, Rock, & Funk. My heart is shocked & broken on this Sunday morning, along with too many others. Rest In Peace Ray. May the Orishas carry you home & Our Ancestors receive you well! Amen.

Emily Mack Marshall My sincere condolences to Raymond's family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Though I have not

spoken to or seen Raymond in years, I always had such warm memories of him - not withstanding his incredible talent and love of music. I will treasure those memories even more now and miss him that

much more. May God grant Raymond's Family and Friends - Peace which passes all understanding. Ronny Drayton I have no words of sorrow or pain today, though I cry. My joy in knowing you, playing and touring with you, and your faith in me through all will carry me. Man, you had such a funny laugh and a keen mind . Thank you, Raymond. Only The Body Dies.

Audrey Martell

On this journey, you meet many, many talented people that influence your life. Raymond demanded that you bring nothing but honesty to the table as an artist. He was the truest definition of an artist: Never reaching for the approval of the masses but instead reaching deeper into his own soul and demanding

nothing less of you. We spoke of performing some of our original songs we wrote together last fall, but life took over. Raymond, thank you, thank you for sharing precious moments of your life with me.

Nita Gray Raymond - what a beautiful spirit of a man! Thank you for allowing me to witness someone living his truth and speaking his truth. Raymond was such an accomplished musician and writer absent of ego. May your life be an example to all of us. Thinking of you now and always.

Tony Bridges

I call you funny, 'cause we shared many a laugh; I call you talented, 'cause you were a great musician; I call you humble because success never changed you; I call you friend because you were one of the few

truly worthy...I now call you missed because you are and will be!!

Donnell Spencer Jr I'm sadden at the news of the passing of a friend who's patience and inspiration will forever be remembered. Raymond Jones... Thank you for taking the time to encourage me in many aspects of my life, I thought not possible. You always saw ahead of everyone else, a true visionary! Rest in peace.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Les Williams

You know, I probably haven't seen Raymond Jones in about 30 years. We grew up in the same neighborhood and Raymond attended school with my older brother, Richard Williams, and sister, Renita

Williams. When I reached out to Raymond on Facebook, he immediately friended me and reminisced. Despite his artistic and professional success, Ray treated me as down to earth and real as anyone...and

as if we had just seen each other 3 days not 30 years ago. He remained as feisty an artist and personality as ever. Skinny little Raymond Jones from around tha way was more of an icon and

inspiration for little kids in South Jamaica and Queens who dreamed about playing in bands and finding musical success than he probably ever knew. Everyone who grew up around him basked in our pride of his success, and always acknowledged him as being one of the kindest and good natured kids to come

from our neighborhood. Ray, you will be missed! Andrew Levette The three of us sitting in front of the console, Roy Ayers and Wayne Garfield behind us at the control board, Dee Dee Bridgewater behind the glass, kind of hoarse, but blowin', like only she can...like it was yesterday. The three of us...one of my fondest and most favorite memories.

Carol Steele Oh, my God, Uncle Ramie...you will be so missed by me. It was always so much fun to play with you, and we did have a good time in the Jeffrey Osborne Band. I know in my heart that you will go straight to sit at the right hand of God with your beautiful, well-lit self... Ibae, baen tonu... I will always love you...

Dk Dyson Light filled Journey to you, Dear Raymond, as you make your way to the Land of the Ancestors. Here, take my hugs & my voice in your heart. And, here, take some of that awesome music you have in your DNA. Oh, here, take this staff so you make a fine entrance. Oh yeah, here, take this white linen suit with hat and shoes to match, too. Here's some spending change so you & Willie The Lion Smith can tip the waitress's up there. Here's a bottle of the finest rum to offer the Great Ones you'll see. Save a laugh for me, blood...cause your's was...just...beautiful...

Larry Robinson

I am shocked and sad to hear of Raymond's passing. I can't think of a nicer person I've met in 30 years in the music biz. Short story: in my previous life, I was a marginal drummer. Around 1989, Raymond was

producing Patti Labelle, asked me to come over and record "electronic drums" (not a drum machine, which would have been easier). Now, please understand, Raymond could have called ANYBODY for this

session, but out of the pure kindness of his heart he called me - and kindly put up with my bad drumming!!! The CD came out months later and there was my name - he didn't even go back and erase me!! I will NEVER forget the kindness he showed. Even more touching than his enormous talent was his

positivity, kindness and generosity. Raymond: I will miss you terribly.

Denise Jackson White Serrette I will miss Raymond. I had a lot of laughs with him as his assistant when he was the Musical Director on "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show." The show didn't last long, but our friendship did. His laugh, his walk and OMG his rants! I respected his talent and his gift of music. I will play his tribute CD to Luther Vandross...and think of both of them.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Photo from Ray’s trip to Brasil March 2010.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond and I used to play with a hip hop rap legend whose initials are

"DMX" and we were slated to perform. X gonna give it to ya on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and we are at NBC waiting for X to show up and in TV there are what they call tech run-throughs and these are so producers and network folk can both time the performance and for acts like DMX to make sure he's not going to curse his brains out! So after the first and second tech run-throughs go by with no DMX we find out that DMX is at his hotel kicking the limo that is there to pick him up. (Just being DMX...???) Needless to say the Tonight Show

banned DMX for life but the other dilema was getting paid! And the Raymond that we all have come to love and respect and appreciate got on DMX's people and fought until he got us our money.

. Through all the ups and downs and all the craziness of this entertainment industry, Raymond was always our rock the one who got us through even the toughest times In this moment I find myself about to call Raymond to just talk about this difficult moment, and then I realize he has gone on ahead, but that's just like Raymond always ahead of everyone else, ahead of his time. He always had our hearts and even with the pain all I can seem to remember is how much I absolutely love him and the joy of knowing that I always told him just what he meant to me. Travel well Raymond talk with you later. Fred Clark aka Fred Clark-Kent -Guitarist in Raymond's live band -on almost all of Raymond's CD's -Member of The Ministers of Soul (the studio band that did the soundtrack to Soul Men) My favorite credit - Friend of Raymond Jones

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Robert Aaron This is a tough one... We had only recently renewed our friendship after many years of not being in touch. There is a lot of history...we toured together in the early `80s in one of the last incarnations of Chic and kept on collaborating after the band drifted apart... Still, it had been a while `til we found each other again here (on facebook). Raymond was one of the first Macrobiotic Health nuts I ever knew and managed to keep that going on a tour bus full of hedonistic freaks.. I will always remember your kind gentle soul, subtle humour, and beautiful sweet music. Please accept my love and condolences. ONAJE ALLAN GUMBS Raymond and I were roomies when we did the Jeffrey Osborne-Deneice Williams tour in the eighties. He was a gentle soul, and an extraordinarily gifted keyboardist, composer and arranger. His piano work with Chic left an indelible impression on my own R&B/funk performances. Some of the best tunes written for Spike Lee's films came from him. He was the one who organized a tribute here in NY for "Dr. Ben" all the way from L.A. He wrote an incredible song for Lisa Fischer's So Intense album. I have loved that song for years. In a way, I guess it is now his epitaph. It's called "Last Goodbye." I love you, Raymond. This is a difficult one for me. You will be missed, my brother. R.I.P. Raymond.

Kristi Lomax Meeting Raymond was certainly orchestrated by the divine. I first heard of Raymond as a kid growing up in Jamaica, Queens. One day it was just news in the hood that a member of Chic moved into the house

down the street. Chic was one of my favorite groups at the time and I was excited to get a glimpse of this guy. I never got a good look at him, but on occasion I could see and hear Raymond playing piano

through the sliding glass doors of his garage. Many years later while hosting my weekly music show on KPFK in L.A., I received a call from a listener complimenting me on my selections. When I asked his

name, he said “Raymond Jones “. I was shocked and instantly taken back to my youth and responded “is this the Raymond Jones that used to live on Eveleth Rd., in Jamaica, Queens?”. He replied “the one and

only”, and from that moment on we became friends. I will miss you Raymond and thank the creator that his plan for us worked out.

Khaliq Glover Wow - Raymond, my friend, you will be missed. You gave me, a rookie engineer, so many opportunities to work on many great projects early in my career...and you always tried to help. I appreciate you much. Peaceful journey my brother.

Tony Bridges

I call you funny, 'cause we shared many a laugh; I call you talented 'cause you were a great muscian; I call you humble because success never changed you; I call you friend because you were one of the few

truly worthy.....I now call you missed because you are and will be!! Carol Steele Oh my God, Uncle Ramie.......you will be so missed by me. It was always so much fun always to play with you, and we did have a good time in the Jeffrey Osborne Band. I know in my heart that you go straight to sit at the right hand of God with your beautiful well lit self.........Ibae, baen tonu..... I will always love you... Rick Charles Nelson Wow, I can't believe it. Raymond was one of the best writers in the business. I Haven't seen him in awhile but we we stayed in touch. Earth Has no Sorrow, that Heaven cannot heal. God bless his family, I will be praying for them.

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Charlotte Morgan Eric James called this morning. He didn't know. We talked about Big Deal Records, Ray's first label. Ric

did promotions and I did PR. Ray gave us each a gig. I still don't believe he's gone.... Mark Kornegay Just heard about Raymond's passing; i'm shocked because i didn't know. Glad i got to spend some time with him a couple of years ago in LA. He welcomed me and some friends to be guests at his house. We had a great time. Funny cat and i will remember him that way. Rest in Peace man!!

Joan Saunders Thank you for your candor and words of wisdom. Will not be forgotten.

Kerry Turman My brother Raymond...Sleep well. Never forgotten

Carol Ross

Send some music to our hearts Raymond. We love and miss you SO much!!!!!! Larry McRae Still in shock. Love you bro! Miss you already

Carl Orlando West Talented kat and Terrible loss

Donnell Spencer Jr I'm sadden at the news of the passing of a friend who's patience and inspiration will forever be remembered. Raymond Jones... Thank you for taking the time to encourage me in many aspects of my life, I thought not possible. You always saw ahead of everyone else, a true visionary! Rest in peace.

Alfajiri McDonald Raymond I will miss you. So glad we were able to spend time together this Spring, share a great meal

and laugh lots.

Carla Jones Uncle Raymond....you will truly be missed! I love you, Carla

Lisa Jones

R.I.P Uncle Raymond....much love from your niece

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

“Never Explain Love” (Cathy Block / Raymond Jones) from “Do the Right Thing” soundtrack (1989) I was looking through a window At my life today And for the first time I saw things in a different way In the middle of my mind It was there all the time (chorus) Never explain Love

It’s not like anything you’ve ever done If it is there, it’s yours to keep And the boundaries they go deep Never explain Love Let the experience take over you And when you do… Never explain Love I was looking for a reason I was searching for a sign To try and understand This relationship of mine

But I didn’t need to go far I was reading it all wrong (chorus) Before I knew I almost blew it all Who needs to be rational When Love isn’t practical All I know is what’s inside And it’s all right (chorus)

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

“The Easy Way” (Raymond Jones) From Naked Soul (1999) When the evening comes Everything’s cool Chilled out with smoke and drink You’re feeling smooth When morning comes You get undone Morning light makes you think You’re feeling under the gun Life is passing and we’re getting older My old friend from another time We survived divorces, drugs - all that

Yet I wonder how you’ll make it this time (chorus) What is on your mind Looking down the line Searching for any road out You want the easy way When I hear your game It’s pretty much the same You say, “I got your back” You ain’t carryin’ jack How do you plan to get ahead Asleep in your bed Everything you say is “coulda/woulda/shoulda…” When it’s time, time for a commitment You run out, right out of that door

As you leave, many doors are closing Some that you can’t go through anymore (chorus) We had dreams, we had hopes to make it How we wanted…what happened to yours Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing But at some point you have got to analyze (Chorus) What is in your head When you go to bed Tryin’ to scam it all out You want the easy way What’s on your mind?

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

Raymond Jones December 13, 1958 - July 1, 2011

“Wisdom” (Raymond Jones) From Hillside Stories (2007) Met a Latina Not much older than me She smoked and cussed constant I wondered who she might be She had five kids By a no good man She finally left him After all she could stand She lives in an apartment With a run down floor Yet she has inner peace I’ve come to adore She took me to a ceremony Of the African kind They called on Orishas It opened my mind She said, “You have purpose beyond what you know. It’s just out of vision Just a stone’s throw.” I took her word for it And I went on my way Yet in the distance I hear myself saying to her, “How?”

(Chorus) How did we get here You sharing time with me You gave me your wisdom Beyond what I see Why did we meet In the market that day You gave me your wisdom That helps guide my way My way I drove across country And I met a man In the back woods of Georgia At a roadside stand We ate at a diner As he told me my life My hopes and disappointments He was so right I sat in amazement As I paid for his meal A small price to pay For the knowledge revealed Still not quite certain Why we were destined to meet I’m just glad it happened It put me back on my feet Sometimes I feel down And I don’t know where to turn Sometimes God sends

an angel For a lesson I need to learn As I accept What it is I need to know Again I am asking As new doors open and show me I say How? (chorus) Sometimes I feel down And I don’t know where to turn Sometimes God sends an angel For a lesson I need to learn As I accept What it is I need to know Again I am asking As new doors open and show me I say (chorus) Your knowledge and your wisdom You gave me wisdom Wise beyond your years Wise beyond your years You helped guide my way