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Motown Drummer Uriel Jones Dies at 74
- Posted on Mar 25th 2009 11:00AM by Dan Reilly
Famed drummer Uriel Jones, who played on many top Motown hits as part of the legendary Funk Brothers session group, died yesterday at the age of 74. His sister-in-law told Reuters that complications from a heart attack he suffered in mid-February relapsed, and he passed away in a Dearborn, Michigan hospital.After touring with Marvin Gaye, Jones came to Motown in 1964, and, along with Richard "Pistol" Allen, gradually took over for the label's main drummer, Benny Benjamin, as he battled a drug addiction that killed him in 1969. Through the '60s and '70s, Jones' drumming was an integral part on such hits as the Temptations' 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg,' Gaye's 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' and the Miracles' 'The Tracks of My Tears.'
The Funk Brothers were rediscovered by many after the 2002 documentary, 'Standing in the Shadows of Motown,' that pointed out that these musicians played on "more records than the Beatles, Elvis, the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys combined." The filmmaker, Allan Slutsky, told the Detroit News that Jones was "one of the great R&B drummers," and that "of the Funk Brothers drummers, Uriel was the hardest rocking." Of the 13 members featured in the film -- clips from which will be shown on 'American Idol' this week -- only four are still alive.
Jones is survived by his wife, June, three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Dearly Departed Musicians
Randy Bewley, Feb. 25, 2009: The Pylon guitarist suffered a heart attack while driving. His Athens, GA band inspired many others, including R.E.M., with their disctinctive danceable pop sound.
Chris McKay, Retna
Kelly Groucutt, Feb. 19: He provided the bass end to classic ELO hits such as 'Mr. Blue Sky,' 'Do Ya' and 'Livin' Thing.' Groucutt died after having a heart attack, his management confirmed. He was 63.
Fin Costello, Getty Images
Louie Bellson, Feb. 14: The American big band drummer, composer and bandleader was 84.
Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images
Estelle Bennett, Feb. 11: With her sister Ronnie, left, and cousin Nedra Talley, right, Bennett sang '60s classics like 'Baby, I Love You' and 'Be My Baby' with the legendary Ronettes. She was found dead in her New Jersey home of undetermined causes. She was 67.
Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, Feb. 9: The "heartbeat" of Cuba's legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a group of semi-retired musicians living in Havana made famous thanks to the work of producer Ry Cooder, died of complications from prostate surgery. He was 76.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
Molly Bee, Feb. 7: The yodeling country singer shot to fame with the 1952 novelty hit 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' and later became a familiar face on TV's 'Hometown Jamboree' and 'The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show.' Bee died in California from complications following a stroke at age 69.
AP
Lux Interior, Feb. 4: The frontman of the legendary punk band the Cramps passed away due to a pre-existing heart condition.
Dave Allocca, Getty Images
Dewey Martin, Jan. 31: The drummer for the short-lived country rock pioneers Buffalo Springfield was found dead in Van Nuys, Calif. The cause of death is unknown. Martin added the backdrop to early hits penned by bandmates Neil Young ('Mr. Soul') and Stephen Stills ('For What It's Worth'). He was 68.
Getty Images
Hank Crawford, Jan. 29: The prolific saxophonist, who led Ray Charles' band, played with Jimmy McGriff and had a successful career in his own right, died at his home in Memphis. He was 74.
Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
John Martyn, Jan. 29: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter, who worked alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and released 20 albums throughout a 40-year career, died at a hospital in Ireland. He was 60.
Samir Hussein, Getty Images
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Add a Comment
base6
No, you thought YOU were important.
@$$.
sprofc
May he rest in peace!I saw the Funk Brothers twice in the past seven years and they put on a great show,sadly only four are still living ....they were part of history.I love Motown !!
March 26 2009 at 4:43 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
remedyjack
If there is indeed an afterlife, think of the jam sessions they must have.Thank you Uriel for all the great music.
March 26 2009 at 1:13 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
frank
Without the Funk Brothers there would not have been a Motown sound. These guys got the charts and a simple song and made them hits. One of the most memorable guitar lines ever was Robert White's line in My Girl. For virtual unknowns these musicians are unforgettable. James Jamerson is THE bassist to study and everyone else in the Funk Brothers contributed unique
colors and expression that grooved the world ever since they got together....Turn on the radio, find a Motown song and listen...the Funk Brothers live forever. Immortality is the what you work on before you go and all these guys got that right
spa83
What about Leroi Moore from The Dave Matthews Band.
March 25 2009 at 10:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
ravchey
"Standing In The Shadow of Motown", the story of the Funk Brothers is my most cherished dvd. I have watched it many times and still marvel at the sound that those gentleman produced. They will live forever in there music.
March 25 2009 at 10:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Panapada
Motown did more for the Civil Rights Movement than all the rest put together.
March 25 2009 at 9:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
don and elaine
An gifted entertainer who will be truly missed. I am really surprised to hear of his passing away. My condolences goes out to the family.
March 25 2009 at 9:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Miles
1 reply to Miles's comment
I HATE it when you click on a photo in an article and get taken to a damn multi-media looped piece of crap where you can't read the captions and/or scroll down to see anything other than the pics. STOP IT AOL!
March 25 2009 at 8:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
jesus chrysler
I HATE it when you click on a photo in an article and get taken to a damn multi-media looped piece of crap where you can't read the captions and/or scroll down to see anything other than the pics. STOP IT AOL!
you meant to type "I am deeply saddened to read about his passing. My heart goes out to his friends and family!" E-mail me at tomp1253@msn.com ,clown!
jemteku
R.I.P. Maestro Jones. Thank you for the music.
March 25 2009 at 7:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
21 Comments