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Brian Jones birthday February 28, 1942: Lewis Brian Hopkins Jones (son of Louise and Lewis Jones) is born in the Park Nursing Home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Better known as the founding member of The Rolling Stones along with piano player Ian ‘Stu’ Stewart 20 years later.
A natural musician, he picked up instruments like the guitar and harmonica early on, falling in love with blues and jazz. By the early ’60s, he had moved to London, fully immersed in the music scene.
Brian formed The Rolling Stones in 1962, bringing together the band’s original lineup and shaping their raw, bluesy sound. He was the band’s original leader, adding unique touches with slide guitar, sitar, and other exotic instruments. Songs like Paint It Black, Ruby Tuesday, and Under My Thumb wouldn’t have been the same without his creative input.
But as The Stones became bigger, Brian struggled with personal demons—substance abuse, tensions with the band, and a fading role in the group. By mid-1969, he was out of the band, replaced by Mick Taylor. Just weeks later, on the night of July 2 1969 (early morning of July 3), he was found dead in his swimming pool at 27.
Brian Jones was gone too soon, but his influence on rock music is undeniable. His adventurous spirit and musical genius helped shape The Rolling Stones and left a lasting mark on rock and roll history.
The following is reprinted from a fact sheet sent to American fans in spring 1964:
REAL NAME Brian Jones. BIRTHPLACE Cheltenham. BIRTH DATE 28.2.44. (Authors’ note: Two years off!) HEIGHT 5’8”. WEIGHT lOst. llb. COLOUR OF EYES Greeny-blue. COLOUR OF HAIR Blonde. PARENTS’ NAMES Lewis and Louisa. BROTHERS AND SISTERS Barbara (17). PRESENT HOME London. INSTRUMENTS PLAYED Guitar, Harmonica. WHERE EDUCATED Cheltenham Grammar School. MUSICAL EDUCATION Self-taught. ENTERED SHOW BUSINESS AT: 18. FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE Marquee, Oxford Street. BIGGEST BREAK IN CAREER Meeting the other “Stones”. TV DEBUT “Thank Your Lucky Stars”. RADIO DEBUT “Saturday Club”. DISC LABEL Decca. HOBBIES Women. [Authors’ note: He was honest!1 FAVOURITE SINGERS, ARTISTS Johnny Cash, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed. FAVOURITE ACTRESSES, ACTORS Tony Perkins. FAVOURITE COLOUR Black/White/Grey. FAVOURITE FOOD Steaks. FAVOURITE BAND Muddy Waters. FAVOURITE DRINK Milk/Whiskey. FAVOURITE CLOTHES “Gear”, “Anello Boots”. FAVOURITE COMPOSERS Willy Dixon, Bach, Beatles. MISC. LIKES Having a shower. MISC. DISLIKES Public Transport. TASTES IN MUSIC Very Catholic, but I hate Brass Bands. ORIGIN OF STAGE NAME Title of an old Muddy Waters Blues. PERSONAL AMBITION To stop smoking 60 fags a day. PROFESSIONAL AMBITION To tour the States. To get a no. 1. (Ref. brian jones birthday)
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