Funding for the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program NEA Jazz Master interview was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. ELVIN JONES NEA Jazz Master (2003) Interviewee: Elvin Jones (September 9, 1927 - May 18, 2004) Interviewer: Anthony Brown with recording engineer Ken Kimery Date: June 10-11, 2003 Repository: Archives Center, National Museum of American History Description: Transcript, 113 pp. Anthony Brown: “Today is June 10th, 2003 and we are sitting in the home of Elvin and Keiko Jones at 415 Central Park West in New York City. I’m sitting with Elvin Jones and his lovely, hospitable wife Keiko Jones. This interview is with Elvin Jones the incomparable jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, and humanitarian extraordinaire. And the proceedings are being recorded by Ken Kimery, my name is Anthony Brown. Present in the room are Keiko Jones and Elvin Jones. Elvin, if we can begin by you stating your full name and when you were born. Elvin Jones: My name is Elvin Ray Jones. I was born in Pontiac, Michigan in 1927; as one half of a twin, I was a twin! (chuckles). And my twin brother, we both had whooping cough, and he didn’t survive longer than 6 months. You know, I can remember the funeral and everything. Cause I used to tell my mother, I’d say “That little casket was right there!” and I’d point it out to her and she’d say, “That’s right.” (chuckles). Anthony Brown: Wow, so you say in about 6 months—he passed at about 6 months old? Elvin Jones: Right Anthony Brown: And what was the date of that birth? For additional information contact the Archives Center at 202.633.3270 or
[email protected] Page | 1 Elvin Jones: September 9th 1927.