The Tulsa, Oklahoma native began playing drums in high school. He went on to back up country acts such as Roy Acuff, Patsy Cline, the Louvin Brothers, Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Red Sovine and Faron Young.

In the 1950s Buddy Jones moved into country rock, when he played the laid-back rootsy grooves behind JJ Cale (when Cale was still performing as Johnny Cale) and country rock 'n roll artist Wally Wiggins.

Buddy Jones later moved to Los Angeles, where he became key virtuoso Leon Russell’s manager. Buddy also produced and co-wrote lyrics for The Gap Band.

The Tulsa country and rock 'n' roll pioneer is survived by his wife of 20 years, a sister and two brothers.