About Dolly Jones
Lived 1902 – 1975 (aged 72). Dolly Jones was an American jazz musician, trumpeter and singer.
Dolly Jones, (born 27 November 1902 – August 1975, Bronx, New York City), also known as Doli Armenra and Dolly Hutchinson, was a jazz trumpet and trombone player. She was the first female jazz trumpeter to be recorded.
Early life, family and education Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her father played saxophone. She toured with Ida Cox in 1928 and with Lil Hardin Armstrong's Harlem Harlicans in the early 1930s. The band performed in the Lafayette Theater and Apollo Theater in New York City and Chicago's Regal Theater. In 1932, she formed her own band, the Twelve Spirits of Rhythm. In New York City, she was part of a 15-member multiracial band, the Disciples of Swing.
She played trumpeter Miss Watkins, "a little girl from Birmingham", in Oscar Michaux's 1936 musical film Swing!. Credited as "Doli Armena", she has no speaking role in the film, but she performs trumpet several times, playing the songs "I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful)" and "China Boy". She also appeared as an extra in Michaux's 1938 movie God's Step Children.
She continued to play into the 1970s with Eddie Barefield.
Personal life She was briefly married to saxophonist Jimmy "Hook" Hutchinson, during which she began to use his last name professionally.
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Important facts
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1902-1975People in Dolly Jones's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Dolly Jones's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dolly Jones?
American jazz musician (1902-1975)
When was Dolly Jones born?
Dolly Jones was born on 27 November 1902 in Chicago.
When did Dolly Jones die?
Dolly Jones died on 1 August 1975.
What was Dolly Jones's occupation?
Dolly Jones was a jazz musician, trumpeter and singer.
What nationality was Dolly Jones?
Dolly Jones was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Dolly Jones (trumpeter)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dolly Jones. https://biography.guide/dolly-jones/
MLA: "Dolly Jones." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dolly-jones/.
Chicago: "Dolly Jones." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dolly-jones/.
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