Phillip K. Jones, II
Born the eldest of three children in Cleveland,
Ohio on December 5, 1981, Phillip K. Jones II began
playing music at a very early age. By the age of four,
he had learned and mastered the drums and began to
play them in church.
By age eight, his father, Rev. Phillip Jones, Sr.,
who shared duties as his Church’s Musician and Pastor
introduced and taught Phillip, Jr. on the organ who
quickly learned the instrument ‘by ear’. Additional
mentoring from his grandmother, Clementine Jones,
proved vital toward his development.
At age 12, Phillip studied at the Cleveland Music Settlement for two years. While attending, he was
the organist for Greater Faith Baptist Church, where
his grandfather pastored. During this time he toured
twice to Nice, France where he performed as drummer.
Mr. Jones attended and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School. While there, he played for
the school’s gospel choir and the jazz ensemble which
earned him the privilege to perform with famed gospel recording artist Walter Hawkins.
After graduation, Phillip attended Hampton University and upon his return to Cleveland, he
attended Cuyahoga Community College. During his two years there, he studied with various pianists and teachers such as Rodney Hubbard, Joe Hunter, Jackie Warren, Drene Ivy, LaFayette Carthon, II among other notable
players.
On May 27, 2007, Phillip graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music
degree. During his tenure at Oberlin he had the opportunity to perform with famed songstress Babbie Mason,
and recorded on Bill Ransom’s debut jazz CD “Generations”.
Today, Phillip K. Jones II continues to play the drums, piano, organ and bass. He is happily married to
JaNeen and a proud father of three sons, Emmanuel Calloway, Gabriel Phillip and the newest addition,
Phillip K. Jones III, born in early November, 2009.
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