Busta Jones

Busta Jones in 1983

Michael "Busta" 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 August 23, 1980. 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 February 28, 1981.

Early Life

Michael Jones was born in Memphis on September 26, 1951. He 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. He became known with the nickname "Busta".

Career

Following a move to Montreal, CA in the 1970's Busta became a regular gigging and studio musicians, playing with artists such as Boule Noire, Nanette Workman and Gino Soccio.

During the early months of 1980, when Busta was living in New York, he lived with and regularly played with guitarist Steve Segal.

While working a project called The Escalators, 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.