Paul Jones (born Paul Adrian Pond, 24 February 1942) is an English singer, actor, harmonicist, radio personality and television presenter. He first came to prominence as the original lead singer and harmonicist of the rock band Manfred Mann (1962–66) with whom he had several hit records including "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" (UK #1, US #1) and "Pretty Flamingo" (UK #1).
After leaving the band, Jones established a solo career and starred as a deified pop star in the 1967 film Privilege. In 1979, he formed The Blues Band, and toured with them until their breakup in 2022. He presented The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 for thirty-three years, from 1985 to 2018, and continues to perform alongside former Manfred Mann bandmates in The Manfreds.
Early life
Paul Jones was born Paul Adrian Pond in Portsmouth, Hampshire, son of Norman Henry Pond and Amelia Josephine, née Hadfield, later of Worthing, West Sussex.
Jones attended The Portsmouth Grammar School, moving to the Edinburgh Academy for his last two years of school before winning an Open Exhibition in English to Jesus College, Oxford, although he did not graduate.
^ Cite error: The named reference AMG was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Tony Cummings (28 May 2010). "Paul Jones: The broadcaster's journey from militant atheist to Christian convert". Cross Rhythms.co.uk.
