HONORARY MEMBER
Selected by ABOP’s Founders in recognition of an individual’s distinguished and exemplary career, Honorary Members are icons, leaders, and/or advocates for Black orchestral percussionists and receive lifetime membership with ABOP.
2021 Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists Inaugural Inductee
Elayne Jones
Elayne Jones Passes Away
Elayne Jones, age 94, passed away at her home in Walnut Creek, CA, on December 17, 2022. With Elayne’s passing, ABOP and the percussion world lost a musical legend and an icon for social justice both on and off stage. Elayne had a truly remarkable career of nearly 50 years, performing with some of the most renowned musicians of her time, including Duke Ellington, Leopold Stokowski, Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Luciano Pavarotti. Learn more about Elayne and her illustrious career in her official autobiography, “Little Lady with a Big Drum,” which can be found at alivebookpublishing.com/books-sale
The entire ABOP community sends our heartfelt condolences to Elayne’s family and loved ones.
Watch this video produced by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
for Elayne Jones’ induction into the PAS Hall Of Fame in 2019