PORTSMOUTH Guildhall is delighted to announce that Paul Jones , one of the finest musicians to have originated from the city with a music career spanning over 50 years, has been inducted to their Wall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to music.

Having started his career performing duets with Elmo Lewis (better known as future founder member of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones), Paul quickly went on to become the vocalist and harmonica player of successful 60s group, Manfred Mann enjoying success with hits including Do Wah Diddy Diddy and Pretty Flamingo.

After leaving the band in 1966, Paul went on to have solo success with High Time and I’ve Been a Bad, Bad Boy before branching into acting, first in film and TV, and then on stage. His television credits include Z Cars, Space 1999 and The Sweeney and at The Royal National Theatre he starred in The Beggar’s Opera and Guys and Dolls, and for the RSC, Kiss me Kate. Other West End shows include Conduct Unbecoming (also on Broadway), Cats and Pump Boys and Dinettes.

Paul has hosted The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 for over 30 years and in 1991 became a member of The Manfreds, a group that reunited several of the original members of Manfred Mann, and which still tours today.

In 1979, Paul founded The Blues Band with five virtuosos of music, ‘just to play the blues’. 36 years on, 20 albums and thousands of live performances later and the band is still dazzling audiences with their showmanship and a reputation around the world as one of the finest exponents of the blues tradition in all its forms.

The President of the National Harmonica League and Doctor of Music, awarded by University of Portsmouth, Paul’s multiple awards include ‘Harmonica Player of the year’ in the British Blues Awards of 2010, 2011 and 2012 as well as ‘Blues Broadcaster of the Year’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2011.

Portsmouth Guildhall’s Wall of Fame was introduced in 2014 to honour artists who have achieved great success and whose work has reached out to millions, creating immense joy and entertainment. Artists invited to join the Wall of Fame have either a local or long-standing connection with the Guildhall and Paul Jones will sit in the company of The Osmonds, Genesis’ Steve Hackett, Mark King of Level 42, Foreigners’ Mick Jones, Musical Director and keyboard player for Queen; Spike Edney, The Godfather of British Blues; John Mayall, bands; Simon Dupree and The Big Sound and Gentle Giant and Portsmouth born, Julia Fordham.