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The fire turned to ash homes that had been humble museums for treasured collections: the records of Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles; paddles from Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity; typewritten memoirs, poetry and documents capturing lives of struggle and triumph.

Black history novels filled the shelves in their home, and Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday records, among others, formed the soundtrack of their lives.

He also played with Billie Holiday at 14, and got taken under the wings of bandleader Count Basie and trumpeter Clark Terry.

Jones’ visibility escalated and, barely into his mid-20s, he was soon arranging and recording for Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and, of course, Charles.

It later was home to live productions of Neil Simon plays and touring musicals, and in the 1970s and ’80s, it hosted concerts by Merle Haggard and Count Basie.