Isham Jones

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Isham Jones, 1922

Isham Jones (31 January 1894 – 19 October 1956) was a United States bandleader, violinist, saxophonist and songwriter.

Jones was born in Coalton, Ohio, grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, where he started his first band. In 1915 he moved to Chicago, Illinois, which remained his base through 1924. After that he toured England before reestablishing himself in New York City.

The Isham Jones band made a series of popular gramophone records for Brunswick Records throughout the 1920s. Isham Jones led one of the most popular dance bands in the 1920s and 1930s. Noted musicians who played in Jones' band included Louis Panico, Benny Goodman (although he did not make any records during the short time he was with them), Woody Herman and Roy Bargy.

There was a gap from October 1927 to June 1929 where Jones did not record, probably due to disbanding and reorganization. From 1929 to 1932, his Brunswick recordings became more sophisticated with very interesting arrangements. During this period, Jones started featuring violinist Eddie Stone as one of his regular vocalists. Stone had a very individual, humorous vocal style. In 1932, Jones signed with Victor Records and these records are generally considered among the very best arranged and performed commercial dance band records of the Depression era. He stayed with Victor until July, 1934, when he signed with Decca. (Jones' recordings during the 1929 Brunswicks through the 1934 Victors rivaled Paul Whiteman and all other dance bands as examples of the very best dance music of the era.)

Jones' popular compositions included "I'll See You in My Dreams", "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else", "Swinging Down the Lane", "On the Alamo", and "It Had To Be You", "What's The Use?", "Spain", "You're Just A Dream Come True" (his theme song), "I Wouldn't Change You For The World", "Let That Be A Lesson To You", "I Can't Believe It's True", "The Wooden Soldier And The China Doll", "I'll Never Have To Dream Again", "Pretending You Care", "There's Nothing Left To Do But Say Goodbye", "You've Got Me Crying Again", and many others.

Isham Jones died in Hollywood, California.