Meet the Author Who is Helping the World Rediscover Her Father’s Legacy

We interviewed LaVern Lemons, the oldest daughter of the late blues singer, Louis “Blues Boy” Jones, to learn about his legacy and music, and to talk about why she wrote her latest book, Unknown for Six Decades: The Rediscovery of Louis “Blues Boy” Jones.

What inspired you to write you book?

My father’s passion for music and his love for people is what inspired me to write this book. I recall the many times that my mother shared this with me about my dad being on stage. She said he was a different person when standing in front of an audience. He loved to entertain and he was passionate about singing. His personality was like none other. I was told that he never met a stranger. My dad enjoyed life. My cousins said he was quite a comedian as well. He loved to make people laugh. I remember my father being very humble and friendly.

Also, he was respectful, kind-hearted and caring. I’ve met so many people along this journey and they too have shared with me things about his personality and character. To inspire someone, you must have personality and character in which people will gravitate to. There must be something about you that others can recognize.

How long did it take you to write your book?

October 2007, I began writing my story. The first book titled: The Re-Introduction of a Blues Legend was released in March 2015. The second book: Unknown for Six Decades was released in December 2016. Throughout the years, I received new information about my father. This second book is revised containing material from the first book and with new material added. 

What genre would you consider your book?

It’s a biography. This book attracts audiences of people who would like to know more about my dad’s life. I am the voice that tells people about him while he was here. 

What did the process of writing this book teach you?

It taught me persistence. I continued reaching out to people even if I didn’t get a response. Many times, I was able to get the help and information that I needed from being persistent yet kind.

Was it easy sharing your history in this book?

Yes, the feedback from people living places worldwide is truly heartfelt. People seem to have so much love and respect for him as an artist. When I read comments saying that my dad is their favorite artist. This type of feedback makes sharing the history about his life extremely easy.

What was it like reaching out to your family to put pictures and other information in your book?

Family, friends and people that I’ve met along this journey, they have been eager to share information that they know about his life and music. I’m grateful for all of the support.

In your book, one of the questions you asked your relatives was concerning what happened to your dad’s music. You describe his voice in your book as being “very gifted and one of a kind.” How do you feel now when you hear his music on YouTube and other platforms on the Internet?

It was surreal. In that moment when I heard his voice for the first time in one of his songs on the Internet, there were tears. Shouting with excitement…more tears, because here it is 23 years later. Who would have thought that I would be listening to my dad’s beautiful and unique voice? I said it was a NBG moment-Nobody but God!

You reference in your book about how a person on YouTube made a hurtful comment. It said, “Jones came on the music scene in the early 1960s, but once he switched from singing blues to soul music, he fell through the cracks and was never heard of again.” How do you respond to this? 

It saddened my heart. It was a hard blow. Then I thought, this is my dad whom I love dearly. It’s left up to me to let the world know how I feel about him. That comment was made a few years ago. I take pride in the music that he left behind by staying focused and positive.

One of the things I took away from your book is the importance of knowing your family’s history. How would you encourage people to find out more about their family’s roots?

Please reach out to your family members, but especially the elders. Try to grasp all the information that you can about your family’s history. Often people read and study things in the past, and people try to embark on the future. Please know that your family’s history is just as important.

Your father was a Galveston native. Now there is a sign in Galveston named after your father! How did you feel after seeing the sign?

On that day, the joy in my heart was hard to explain. I believed that I had just experienced a miracle. For me, it was a dream come true!

In your book, you mentioned how the address that was replaced by your dad’s name is associated with your family’s history. Can you tell us more about its significance?

The street address that I was given the opportunity to choose while standing in that courtroom back in October 2014, will be something for me to cherish forever. Truly picking this street address meant everything to me because there are roots planted there. Imagine the generations- from my mom and dad living at that same address while they were young and married, my two brothers and I spent countless summers at that same address, now my children and grandchildren have visited the house that is still standing in which my father’s parents once lived. 37th Broadway Street in Galveston, Texas will forever live in my heart!

What did it mean to you and your family to also witness the mayor of Galveston declaring April 28th, “Louis Prince Jones Jr. Day” ?

When you pour your heart into something that seems important to you, the love that you have for someone or something feels so special that it’s worth sharing with the world. Then you are blessed by a person or persons that’s willing to help you with your vision or dream. That’s something priceless, a moment to cherish for life and it will be unforgettable.

Music and love go together. Blues music is special- it tells a story of love. Life is full of happiness but it’s alright to share in song about a broken heart. When one hurts, a blues song can also heal. Louis Prince Jones, Jr. and his blues music is a part of history. 

What do you want your dad’s legacy to be about? 

There is value in something hidden. The Louis “Blues Boy” Jones story or whatever the case may be. Something discovered or rediscovered can be worth something and move upon the world for generations to come. 64 years later his music, legacy and old vinyl records are sought around the globe. Sadly, in June 1984 my dad left us. 36 years later, he’s not forgotten. His music is still rockin’ the world!

What are some takeaways you want people to have after reading your book?

Never give up on your dreams and goals. Stand firm on your faith. Do your very best whatever the task is set before you. It’s called perseverance! I have a little motto saying, “If you believe it, you can achieve it!”

Please tell us, where can we find your book?

First, I thank God for this opportunity. I thank people for supporting my dad’s legacy. Praying and hoping my dad’s story will touch many hearts. Please get your copy of my books on Amazon. Love, peace and MUSIC matters!

Photo Credit: Images Courtesy of LaVern Lemons