Joe Jones Dies

Musician-turned-producer Joe Jones, 79, who sang the 1961 hit “You Talk Too Much,” died of complications from quadruple bypass surgery November 27th at a Los Angeles hospital.

The New Orleans native had battled colon and prostrate cancer in recent years.

Jones broke into the NOLA music scene as a big band leader for artists including B.B. King. The Julliard-trained musician also played piano and arranged music.

He is credited with discovering the Dixie Cups, the trio known for its 1964 hit “Chapel of Love,” among other artists. He switched to the business side with the launch of an independent music publishing firm in 1973.

Jones was also an advocate for African-American artists trying to reclaim rights to their work.