Paul Jones (born Paul Adrian Pond, 24 February 1942) is an English singer, actor, harmonica player, radio personality and television presenter. He first came to prominence as the original lead singer and harmonicist of the rock band Manfred Mann (1962–66) with whom he had several hit records including “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” (UK #1, US #1) and “Pretty Flamingo” (UK #1).
After leaving the band, Jones established a solo career. In 1979, he formed The Blues Band and toured with them until their breakup in 2022. He presented The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 for thirty-two years, from 1986 to 2018, and continues to perform alongside former Manfred Mann bandmates in the Manfreds.
Paul was the original frontman with the group Manfred Mann, and co-composer of the signature tune for “Ready, Steady, Go!”. He was at the forefront of the 60s pop revolution, with million-selling records alongside the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Animals. Nowadays he is still lead vocalist and harmonica man in The Manfreds – along with some of the original members -, touring extensively both in the UK and abroad.
In 1966 he turned to acting, first in films and television, and then on stage. He has worked with directors such as Sir Richard Eyre, Peter Gill and Toby Robertson. His numerous gold albums include one for the original recording of Evita.
In 1979 he founded The Blues Band, which helped kick start another boom in Blues music. The band has now recorded about 17 albums, not counting compilations and repackagings; details and dates can be found on The Blues Band’s website. On radio, he worked for several years on the BBC’s World Service and has broadcast on BBC Radio networks as musician, DJ, actor, critic and Desert Island Discs castaway; he also contributed a set of questions to Mastermind.
Paul is the President of the Harmonica UK, and he has recorded with a range of artists including Tina Turner, Percy Sledge, Memphis Slim, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Katie Melua and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has written and/or played music for films, TV programs and commercials, and his songs have been recorded by a varied bunch, including early Steppenwolf, Helen Shapiro and Ten Years After.
He has been awarded “harmonica player of the year” in the British Blues Awards of 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well as Blues Broadcaster of the year and a Lifetime Achievement award in 2024. Paul has been a BASCA Gold Badge-winner in 1996. He is a Doctor of Music (University Of Portsmouth) and in 2001 he received the famous red book for This Is Your Life.
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