Becoming Paul Jones: Early Influences, Manfred Mann and Making It

The Strange Brew - artist stories behind the greatest music ever recorded

In the first of a two-part interview, Paul Jones reflects on his formative years, from singing in cathedral choirs and discovering jazz, to forming a skiffle group and falling in love with the blues. Speaking live at The Cat Club, Paul offers sharp and often funny insights into his early career: turning down a young Brian Jones’s offer to front what would become the Rolling Stones, joining Manfred Mann, and helping take the group to the top of the charts with hits like ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ and ‘Pretty Flamingo.’ But as the music grew increasingly pop-driven, Paul made the bold decision to walk away and pursue a solo path, one that proved even harder to control.

Further information

Recorded live at The CAT Club, Pontefract 19 June 2025

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Podcasts also available: Paul Jones (2022), Mike Vickers, Tom McGuinness, Mike d’Abo,

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