We remember trumpeter, bandleader, composer and arranger Thad Jones, born on this day in 1923. The Pontiac, Michigan native was one of ten children born to the Jones family that also included his jazz legend brothers, pianist Hank and drummer Elvin. He began performing professionally at 16, and got his first big break in 1954 when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, performing as a soloist and contributing nearly two dozen compositions and arrangements to the band’s book. In 1965, Jones and dru