Paul Jones (singer)
Paul Jones (born Paul Adrian Pond, 24 February 1942)[1] is an English singer, actor, harmonicist, radio personality and television presenter. He first came to prominence as the original lead singer and harmonicist of the rock band Manfred Mann (1962–66) with whom he had several hit records including "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" (UK #1, US #1) and "Pretty Flamingo" (UK #1).
For other people named Paul Jones, see Paul Jones (disambiguation).
Paul Jones
Paul Adrian Pond
Paul Jones
P.P. Jones
24 February 1942
Portsmouth, England
Singer, musician, actor, radio and television presenter
Vocals, harmonica
1960s–present
After leaving the band, Jones established a solo career and notably starred as a deified pop star in the film Privilege (1967). In 1979, he formed The Blues Band, and toured with them until their breakup in 2022.[2] He presented The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 for thirty-two years, from 1986 to 2018, and continues to perform alongside former Manfred Mann bandmates in The Manfreds.
Early life[edit]
Paul Jones was born Paul Adrian Pond in Portsmouth, Hampshire,[1][3] son of Norman Henry Pond and Amelia Josephine, née Hadfield, later of Worthing, West Sussex.[4][5]
Jones attended The Portsmouth Grammar School, moving to the Edinburgh Academy for his last two years of school before winning an Open Exhibition in English to Jesus College, Oxford, although he did not graduate.
Career[edit]
1960s[edit]
Jones began singing in the early 1960 as "P.P. Jones", where he performed duets with Elmo Lewis who was later better known as future founder member of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones at the Ealing Club, home of Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, whose singers included Long John Baldry and Mick Jagger. He was asked by Keith Richards and Brian Jones to be the lead singer of a group they were forming, but he turned them down.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Family[edit]
Jones was first married (1963–1976) to novelist and reviewer Sheila MacLeod. There were two sons from the marriage, Matthew and Jacob. He is now married to the former actress and latterly Christian speaker, Fiona Hendley-Jones. They met whilst both acting at the National Theatre.
Jones was pictured with his son, Matthew, on the front cover of Radio Times in 1973, along with actor Jon Pertwee (then starring in Doctor Who) and broadcaster Michael Parkinson.[35]
Religious beliefs[edit]
He converted to Christianity in the mid-1980s as a result of being invited by Cliff Richard to a Luis Palau evangelistic event. Jones had appeared opposite Richard in a 1960s television debate show where he had, at the time, opposed Richard's viewpoint. In December 2013, Jones was featured in BBC One's Songs of Praise, performing and talking with Aled Jones about his faith.[36]