Marshall Jones, former bassist for the Dayton, Ohio based funk group The Ohio Players, has passed away in Texas.
Jones, who resided in Jamestown, Ohio, was known for wearing a turban on stage and nicknamed “the Rock.” He had been suffering from cancer and recently had a stroke. Founding Ohio Players leader James “Diamond” Williams confirmed the news of Jones’ passing.
In 1959, Jones joined guitarist Clarence “Satch” Satchell, drummer Cornelius Johnson, vocalist Larry Ward and trumpeter/trombonist Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks with the then-named group The Ohio Untouchables. The group disbanded temporarily but got back together where they performed their biggest hits in the 70’s such as “Funky Worm,” “Fire,” and “Love Rollercoaster.
Jones was 75.