Brian Jones Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
- This article is about Brian Jones, the musician. There is an article on the aeronaut Brian Jones.
Brian Jones (
February 28,
1942 -
July 2,
1969) was the original lead guitarist and backing singer behind
Mick Jagger in
The Rolling Stones. He was also the group's original leader but whereas his intention was to bring the "authentic"
rhythm and blues sound to white audiences in the
UK, Jagger and second guitarist Keith Richard (later
Keith Richards) had their sights set on stardom. Brian gave in to them and gradually gave up control of the group and Keith's image was promoted somewhat more heavily, with him taking more of the spotlight (backing vocals and guitar solos) and Brian receiving less. Nevertheless Brian did show incredible musical skill and throughout his years with the band he played guitar, slide guitar, piano, sitar, dulcimer, mellotron, xylophone, marimbas, recorder, clarinet and several other instruments besides. However, his self-indulgent lifestyle got the better of him and his career and in early
June 1969, he was dropped from the band and "replaced" by virtuoso guitarist
Mick Taylor (who, it was rumoured, had already started working with the band weeks before Brian was sacked under the guise of an "amicable split"). Brian drowned almost a month later, seemingly under the influence of
alcohol and sedatives. The
coroner's report stated "Death by misadventure." However, his then-girlfriend Anna Wohlin claimed in 2000 that he had been murdered by a builder who had been staying with them renovating the house the couple shared. The builder, Frank Thorogood, reputedly confessed to the murder on his deathbed but passed away before a confession could be recorded by the authorities.
As well as a rock star, Jones was a popular fashion icon. He was of small stature at 5'6", and had an IQ of 135. Living a notorious lifestlye in which he fathered several children to almost as many women and indulged in alcohol and drugs, he was buried in a lavish silver and bronze casket sent for his funeral in Cheltenham, England by friend Bob Dylan.
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