Eddie Jones, born Edward Jones on March 1, 1929, in New York City, was a prominent American jazz double bassist. He grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey, where he lived near Count Basie's family. Jones attended Howard University, where he studied music education and played alongside future Basie band members such as Frank Wess and Bill Hughes. After graduating in 1951, he taught music in South Carolina for a year before joining Count Basie's orchestra in 1953 upon the recommendation of Frank Wess. Jones remained with Basie's band until 1962, contributing to numerous recordings and performances, both with the full orchestra and smaller ensembles featuring notable musicians like Joe Newman, Frank Foster, and Milt Jackson.

Jones was known for his mellifluous style and resonant tone, which made him a sought-after session player. He recorded with a variety of jazz greats, including Sarah Vaughan, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Thad Jones. Despite his success, Jones left the music industry in 1962 due to a disagreement over wages and pursued a career in the corporate world, eventually becoming a vice president at an insurance company. He returned to jazz in the 1970s and continued to play in swing jazz ensembles into the 1980s.

Eddie Jones passed away on May 31, 1997, in West Hartford, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the "New Testament" version of the Count Basie Orchestra.