One of the Valley’s favorite sons of the blues will be laid to rest here at home.
A memorial for blues singer and guitarist and local community advocate Carvin Jones, who died Sept. 20 after a battle with cancer, will take place Dec. 12 at The Monastery in Mesa, Jones’ family announced Thursday on social media.
“We invite the community, fans, and friends of Carvin Jones to come together … to celebrate the life of a man who touched so many people in Phoenix and throughout the world,” the family posted. “This will be an opportunity for the community that Carvin built around himself, his music and his kindness to come together, reconnect, share stories, and celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.”
Known as the “King of Strings,” Jones had been battling stage 4 cancer but continued performing as recently as July, playing shows in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. He was 60.
Born Corvin Keith Anthony Jones in Lufkin, Texas, Jones discovered the blues through B.B. King records played by his grandfather. He received his first guitar from his grandmother at age 7.
His musical influences grew from the rich East Texas traditions of blues, gospel, R&B and rock and roll.
Jones moved to Phoenix in 1989, beginning a relationship with the Valley that would last the rest of his life.
“I needed a big city,” he told the Independent in 2024.
When not touring around the U.S. and the world, or playing gigs closer to home across the Valley, Jones also devoted considerable time and resources to his community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he established Carvin Cares, using his own money to purchase and deliver groceries to elderly Phoenix residents who could not safely leave their homes. An avid basketball enthusiast, he sponsored and coached youth teams and regularly participated in local basketball leagues.
At the upcoming memorial, Phoenix blues band The Black Hole will perform music in addition to “a special cast of guest musicians that were close to Carvin,” the family wrote.
“Whether you knew Carvin personally, enjoyed watching him perform on stage or on the basketball court, or simply loved his music, we ask you to join us in remembering Carvin.”
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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