Billy Jones, a longtime figure in New York’s live music scene, has died at age 45.
A statement provided to multiple outlets by a spokesman for the club says Jones died on Saturday morning (June 7) due to “a highly aggressive case of glioblastoma,” a form of brain cancer.
Jones was the co-founder/owner of Brooklyn’s longstanding indie venue Baby’s All Right. Established in 2013 and known for its quirky ambience, the 280-capacity space in Williamsburg has hosted performances by a litany of stars including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli xcx, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White and Billie Eilish.
Earlier this year, Jones also co-opened Night Club 101, a venue inside New York’s historic Pyramid Club. Created in partnership with Tom Moore and music entertainment company the Knitting Factory, the space hosts myriad genres, dance nights and community events. In a statement posted on Monday (June 9), the Knitting Factory said it was “devastated by the loss of our partner and friend Billy Jones, gone too soon. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to Billy’s friends and family.”
A musician and DJ himself, Jones entrenched himself in New York’s music scene after moving to the city in the early 2000s. He also served as the booker at clubs including Pianos NYC, the Dance, and Sin-é.
Jones is being widely remembered by friends, fellow artists and people who have visited his venues as a hugely friendly, welcoming individual with an incredible depth of knowledge about and passion for music.
