Mike Jones (jazz musician)
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Mike Jones, born August 11, 1962, has appeared onstage with Penn and Teller for the last four years, and continues to play with them during their nightly show in Las Vegas.
Mike first garnished praise as a young musician, performing professionally at the age of eight years old. Following the advice of Oscar Peterson, Jones attended Berklee School of Music, in Boston. While still attending the school he started work as a studio musician.
During his time commuting from Boston to New York, Mike worked as the on air pianist and music director of the Nancy Merrill Show. His talents were noticed by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and several more of his heroes. It wasn't long before he was recording on Chiaroscuro Records.
Later Mike was invited to perform on ships including the Queen Elizabeth II. It was after his third album, "Runnin' Wild", that Penn Jillette and his friends found him playing in a Las Vegas Resort. Within weeks, he was invited to become part of the show, which he still is.
Mike wrote the theme tune for Penn Jillette's radio show Penn Radio, including many variations. (Penn plays bass on many of these themes.) He also created some special themes for Monkey Tuesday, and Pull of the Weasel Friday.
Jones also made an appearance in an episode of Bullshit! which was critical of twelve step programs. Jones was introduced by Penn as having been significantly overweight, but lost ninety pounds with his "own special one step program", which Penn explained as being "like the twelve step, but with a few minor adjustments". Jones explained his program as "Just stop fucking eating so much".
Jones lives in Las Vegas with his wife, author Cathe Jones. They have no children.
