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Melvin Jones has been in-demand on multiple fronts of the music industry for more than two decades. This award-winning Trumpeter, Composer, and Educator began his professional journey having already earned his first Grammy Award while attending Morehouse College in Atlanta on full scholarship. He then went on to receive top academic honors while earning his Master’s Degree at Rutger’s University under the intensive instruction of the late trumpet impresario, William “Prof" Fielder. After completing his formal studies, Melvin soon returned to Morehouse to serve as the Band Director gaining notoriety as a polished and engaging Masterclass Clinician on various subjects.
His trumpet and arranging work can be heard on over 250+ recordings across multiple genres earning a host of Grammy, Stellar, Dove, & Emmy Awards, as well other notable Honors and Nominations. Jones can also be seen and heard on various television programs, movies, and nationally syndicated award shows most recently in the House Band for programs such as the 2025 Stellar Awards, 2025 Super Bowl Pre-Show with Ledisi, 2024 Super Bowl Pre-Show and HalfTime with Usher, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game with Earth Wind & Fire, 2023 Oscars and 2023 Grammy’s, etc. Having completed many tours and productions with Tyler Perry, Melvin returned to writing music for his long awaited sophomore album, a follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, “Pivot" on Turnaround Records. Additionally, Jones remained rigorously engaged as an Educator, Arranger, Horn Contractor, Recording Engineer, and a highly sought-after touring musician most notably as a regular member of both Patti LaBelle’s and Stevie Wonder’s bands. Jones is also a core member of Usher’s band with the completion of multiple successful residencies, Iconic Performances, and his “sold-out” world tours.
With a background as diverse as it is rigorous, Melvin’s musical love lies in playing more intimate music whenever his schedule allows. Frequently, Jones serves a core member of the Grammy Award Winning West Indian/ African Jazz Ensemble 20th Century Band with standing annual performances at Lincoln Center in New York. Also, Melvin maintains the trumpet position in the Rodney Jordan Quintet, the Leon Anderson Quintet, the Mace Hibbard Quintet, Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Ensemble, the Quentin Baxter Quintet, as well as most recently earning a spot with the Baylor Project. These performances have placed Jones on some of the premier Jazz Festivals and Venues around the world.
Currently “Mr. Jones” serves on faculty at Morehouse College, occasionally at Spelman College, as Artist in Residence for the US Virgin Islands Dept. of Education, as Musical Director for the Caribbean Music Institute, as a former Governor on the Board of the National Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter (Grammy’s), and as Musical Director of the Black Gold Orchestra. He has a well-known passion for teaching, but is most excited about the ability to share knowledge and experiences specifically with young, black, aspiring musicians of all backgrounds. Educational Advocacy is a top priority, and Melvin hopes to continue opening doors for the next generation of young artists.
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Saturday, January 10, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM CST
