Just a few weeks after the last “Together Again” tour date, it’s been reported that Janet Jackson’s music director, Oak Cliff native Daniel Jones, has passed away. According to a Facebook post by Marcus D. King, of Dallas, “Yes, Daniel Jones has passed away.”
King went on to say “As his pastor for over a decade and more, please do some things: 1. Grieve. 2. When you post, remember he has a wife and two sons and a family. No one is grieving more than them. Don’t post things that would make the situation even more difficult. 3. Please give his wife and family the space they request during this time. I’m praying for all of you (including myself). God is with us.”
The cause of death is unknown at this time. The 41-year-old Jones just completed a string of shows, having backed Jackson in his hometown of Dallas on June 2, with concerts throughout the U.S. that ended in Seattle on June 21. There is one more date on the books – October 27, 2023 in Lincoln, CA.
In a June 7, 2023 article written by Crystal Willis and published by www.TheHypeMagazine.com, Jones said “We try to flip up some stuff, and send off to Gil [Duldulao] and Janet for approval. We prepare timecodes that signal the lights and lasers. It’s a tedious process that involves a couple of months of preparation. The core band has been with her a few years, I’ve been with her for 15 years, and Gil…basically forever. We know what she likes, and we flow off of that.”
On June 23, Jones posted on Facebook: “Together Again Tour was amazing … Janet Jackson You are truly Iconic in every way and such a pleasure to with work . Gil D. My partner in crime you are the best … The Dancers awesome job…Crew/Audio/Production thank you so much … My Brothers Pik Funk Mike Reid Errol Cooney Maurice DeLoach I could not have done this without you …it’s an honor to share the stage with you all … I love you all … Til Next Time … @solaimanfazel Christian Hicks tech Sam Martin tech Jim Roach mix #3life #togetheragaintour.”
Jones was born in Dallas and attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He was an accomplished pianist, composer, director, producer and artist. Besides Jackson, he has worked with Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Eminem and many others. Additionally, he played music at Griggs Chapel. Also, he used to perform frequently at the TBAAL MLK civil rights concerts.
In the late 1990s, God’s Property, a Dallas-based gospel group, sought him out for membership. The group appeared on television programs, had the smash single “Stomp,” and their album went double platinum.
Jones worked on several notable projects, including Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous Tour, Super Bowl LII, Janet Jackson’s State Of The World Tour and most recently, her Together Again Tour. He also produced and composed Beyoncé’s “Sorry.” Additionally, the Dallas-based artist was the visionary behind her 2018 BMI Icon Award tribute that featured Teyana Taylor, Normani, and more.
In addition to performing at the Grammys, Coachella, and Super Bowl, he has also had the honor of appearing on late-night shows like David Letterman and Saturday Night Live.
Justin Timberlake shared a tribute to Jones on social media. “Where do I start… Daniel Jones, I am going to miss you so much,” he wrote. “A spark plug of energy and joy. An incredible musician. A loving soul and a hilarious jokester. Nobody will ever be better at hyping me up in the pre-show huddle up and holding us all down on those keys.”
In a Facebook post, Daniel’s wife, Breshae Jones, confirmed the news of her husband’s death. “I am speechless. I am heartbroken. I am lost. My husband Daniel Jones, my best friend, my headache, my confidante… I truly do not understand,” she wrote. “I know God doesn’t make mistakes.. but why?? To everyone who has called, texted messaged, etc. Thank you so much. I’ve seen them all.”
She went on to request privacy for herself and her sons Zadrian 21, and DJ, 12. “Please just give me a little time. I just don’t have the energy right now. I miss him so much already..I don’t know what to do. I can’t believe I am typing this. RIP Daniel Jones. My one true love.”
We will update this story as more details are publicized.
