Kenneth Thomas Jones, commonly referred to as Kenney Jones, is a highly acclaimed English drummer, whose impressive career has spanned multiple decades and has been marked by his significant contributions to several prominent rock bands. Born on September 16, 1948, Jones is perhaps best known for his work with the influential British rock groups Small Faces, Faces, and the Who.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented musicians in the industry, and has been an integral part of the sound and success of each of the aforementioned bands. His impressive skills behind the drum kit have helped to shape the distinctive sounds of these iconic groups, and have played a significant role in their enduring popularity.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of rock music, Jones was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Small Faces/Faces. This prestigious honor is a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry, and serves as a reminder of the significant role he has played in shaping the course of rock music history.
Kenneth Jones, a pivotal figure in the English rock music scene, co-established the renowned rock group Small Faces alongside Ronnie Lane in the mid-1960s. This influential band, which flourished from 1965 to 1969, played a significant role in the Mod trend, characterized by their distinctive sound and style.
Throughout their active tenure, Small Faces released a string of hit singles that continue to be celebrated to this day. Notable tracks include the iconic "All or Nothing", "Sha-La-La-La-Lee", "Itchycoo Park", and the anthemic "Tin Soldier". These chart-topping hits not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also cemented their status as a key act in the British Invasion of the 1960s.
In recognition of their significant contributions to the music industry, Small Faces were awarded a commemorative plaque in the year 2007. This esteemed honor was unveiled by none other than Ken Jones, a long-time member of the band, who took the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to their "spiritual home" located in the iconic Carnaby Street. Tragically, the passing of Jimmy Winston in the year 2020 has left Ken Jones and Rick Wills as the last remaining surviving members of this legendary group.
The Small Faces' iconic 1968 album, Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake, has been formally recognized as one of the most esteemed and influential British albums of all time by The Observer, a renowned British newspaper, in the year 2004.
Following the departure of the esteemed Steve Marriott from the group in the year 1969, the collective proceeded to recruit the talented Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, subsequently rebranding themselves as the Faces, a moniker that would come to define their musical identity for the remainder of their existence.
Throughout this period, the enigmatic and skilled keyboardist Ian Jones remained an integral part of the band, contributing his unique musical perspectives to their creative endeavors until the group's eventual dissolution in the year 1975.
During his tenure with the Faces, Jones was instrumental in the recording of four studio albums, each a testament to the band's growth and evolution as musicians, as well as a live album, a document of their electrifying performances that captivated audiences and left a lasting impression on the music world.
Keith Moon's untimely demise in 1978 due to a drug-related overdose created a vacancy in the legendary rock band, The Who, prompting the group to seek out a new drummer. It was at this juncture that Zakir "Zak" Jones, a musician with a pre-existing connection to the band, was invited to join the fold. This association was facilitated by Jones' earlier collaboration with The Who on the iconic Tommy soundtrack. With his extensive experience and impressive credentials, Jones was the ideal candidate to fill the shoes of the departed Moon. He went on to lend his talents to the band's subsequent studio albums, including Face Dances and It's Hard, as well as their live performances from 1979 to 1982. Furthermore, Jones had the distinction of sharing the stage with The Who at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985, a testament to his enduring relationship with the band.
Keith Moon's successor, Kenney Jones, made his last appearance as a regular member of the iconic British rock band, The Who, at the prestigious 1988 British Phonographic Industry awards ceremony, where the esteemed group received a well-deserved lifetime achievement award in recognition of their immense contributions to the music industry.
Despite his impressive tenure with the band, Jones was often at odds with the lead vocalist, Roger Daltrey, who had reservations about Jones' unique drumming style, which he felt did not align with the band's established image. However, Daltrey has since refuted any claims of personal animosity towards Jones or his drumming abilities, suggesting that their differences were merely a result of artistic vision rather than any underlying personal issues.
The drummer, Kenney Jones, had the distinction of being a part of the iconic British rock band, The Who, for a significant period of time. His tenure with the group came to an end when he was replaced by Simon Phillips for the band's highly anticipated 1989 reunion tour.
