Jonah Jones, born Robert Elliott Jones on December 31, 1909, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a renowned jazz trumpeter whose career spanned from the 1920s to 2000. Known for his ability to create concise and appealing versions of jazz and swing standards, Jones was sometimes referred to as "King Louis II," a nod to his admiration for Louis Armstrong, who heavily influenced his musical style.

Jones began his musical journey playing the alto saxophone at the age of 12 before transitioning to the trumpet, an instrument he would become celebrated for. His early career included performances on riverboats along the Ohio River and collaborations with notable musicians such as Horace Henderson and Jimmie Lunceford. A significant part of his career was his work with violinist Stuff Smith from 1932 to 1940, where he participated in raucous and creative sessions at New York City's Onyx Club.

In the 1940s, Jones joined Cab Calloway's band, where he remained for nearly a decade, contributing to both big band and small combo formats. The 1950s marked a turning point as he formed his own quartet and developed a "muted jazz" style that brought him commercial success. His quartet's rendition of "On The Street Where You Live" became particularly popular, leading to performances on television and a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album in 1960.

Jones continued to perform and record throughout his life, enjoying popularity in Europe, especially in France. He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999. Jonah Jones passed away on April 30, 2000, in New York City at the age of 90. He left behind a legacy as a versatile and influential figure in the jazz world, admired for his technical skill and innovative approach to music.