Busta Jones

Busta Jones in 1983

Michael "Busta" Jones (born Michael Jones, September 26, 1951 – December 6, 1995) was a part of the first live expanded lineup of Talking Heads, first performing with the band at Heatwave Festival on 1980 August 23. While Busta primarily played bass during live performances, he also would sing backing vocals and occasionally play auxiliary percussion and keyboards. His final performance with the band was on 1981 February 28.

Born in Memphis, Busta began his career in the local music scene, playing with groups like Moloch. He would eventually leave the city to pursue opportunities first in London and then later in Montreal. While working in the Canadian disco scene, Busta would meet Jerry Harrison, who would eventually ask Busta to join the expanded lineup. Busta would also be instrumental in recruiting fellow touring members Dolette McDonald, Bernie Worrell, and Steve Scales, none of whom had heard Talking Heads' music before being asked to join the band on tour.

Following his time with Talking Heads, Busta would continue to work in music, in scenes around the world from London to Hawaii. He eventually married and had two children, before returning home to Memphis in the mid-90's. He would die of renal failure in 1995.