Kenney Jones
Kenney Jones, born on September 16, 1948, in Stepney, East London, is a celebrated British drummer whose career spans some of the most iconic bands in rock history, including The Small Faces, Faces, and The Who. Known for his powerful yet subtle drumming style, Jones has been an influential figure in rock music since the 1960s.
Jones’ first major success came as a founding member of The Small Faces in 1965. The band quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the defining acts of the mod movement in the UK. With hits like “Itchycoo Park” and “Lazy Sunday,” The Small Faces earned a reputation for their psychedelic rock sound and storytelling lyricism. After lead singer Steve Marriott left the band in 1969, Jones, along with the remaining members, formed Faces, bringing in Rod Stewart as lead singer and Ronnie Wood on guitar. Faces rose to fame in the early 1970s with their rollicking, blues-rock style and hits such as “Stay with Me” and “Ooh La La.”
After Faces disbanded in 1975, Jones continued his career in various projects until he took on one of rock’s most significant roles: replacing Keith Moon in The Who after Moon’s tragic death in 1978. Jones contributed to The Who’s albums Face Dances (1981) and It’s Hard (1982) and toured extensively with the band. While his style differed from Moon’s, Jones brought a steady, disciplined approach to The Who’s music. Advertisement
In addition to his time with these legendary bands, Jones has collaborated with numerous artists, including Joan Armatrading, The Rolling Stones, and Chuck Berry. He’s also an active philanthropist and horse enthusiast, founding the Rock ‘n’ Horsepower charity events to support causes such as prostate cancer research. Kenney Jones remains a celebrated figure in music history, known for his versatility, resilience, and the enduring legacy of his work across multiple groundbreaking bands.