Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dennis Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dennis, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

As with most kids growing up in the 60s and 70s we grew up differently then a lot of kids today. We had to do chores and had to say yes ma’am and yes sir all the time. Discipline and respect was a big deal in our house hold. It was probably the reason I practiced on my guitar for hours a day. Looking back as an adult they truly prepared me for life. I’m sure my work ethics as a musician has a lot to do with my upbringing. As a teenager my parents allowed me to play really loud in the den while they were having dinner. I would then eat by myself and go to my room and play quiet until bed time. They always said they would rather me be at home instead of out somewhere getting into trouble. They were right!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a kid growing up in the Baltimore County MD there was always plenty of work to do. My dad kept my brother and I pretty busy working for his landscaping company and with chores around the house. When I got my first guitar at 13 it became my main focus. I played along with records we had at home and with songs I liked on the radio. When I was 16 a friend at school heard me struggling with my cheap guitar and sold me a nice one that completely change my life. A few months later I was playing in his band. They were a few years older than me and all good musicians. I learned so many valuable skills and lessons that I still use today. Being a young black kid playing in rock bands was very exciting. Most R&B bands had a singer that got all the attention. Rock bands let everyone shine! At 18 I joined the military and spent most of my time in Germany. It wasn’t long before I started a band. We played a lot in a small town a few kilometers away from the base. When I returned to Baltimore I played with a few bands before moving to Los Angeles. LA in the 80’s had the best music scene I’ve ever been a part of. So many free thinking creative independent artist. I was in a few popular bands that got a lot of attention but never got that Big Record Deal. Finally in the late 90’s I started the Dennis Jones Band. I also started my own label Blue Rock Records. Since then I’ve put out 6 studio Cd’s 1 Live Cd and 1 DVD. By the time you read this I’ll be in the studio working on my 8th Cd. I worked a day job and played in bands until 2013 when I was laid off and decided to play music full time. The timing was perfect! Since then my bands been touring in Europe Canada and all over the US. We’re a Power Trio that plays mostly original material. My music is blues influenced but very eclectic. I think that’s what sets us apart from a lot of other blues rock bands. I love writing and performing my music. It’s a perfect way to express your feelings and the world you view around you. I feel very blessed to do what I do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the rewards of my hard work and determination. There’s a saying that the harder you work the better your luck, It’s true! Being consistent and working hard and smart is the key to success. I watch the strategies and progress of other bands in my genre and use what works for me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

So many people including artist are afraid of failure. It could be lack of confidence or someone telling you you’re not good enough. I’ll always remember as a kid hearing adults saying I wish I would have done this or that when they were younger or had the opportunity. I decided back then to never have regrets about something I should have done. I do play it safe sometimes but I’m not afraid to try new things.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dennisjonescentral.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dennisjonesband
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dennisjonesband
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/dennisjonesband
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/dennisjonescentral