Jonah Jones

* I’m aware that obituary space is finite, but it’s too bad the notice about jazz trumpeter Jonah Jones (May 4) couldn’t have made room to mention his delightful singing, or his television work with Fred Astaire. The dance master claimed that listening to Jones’ rendition of “St. James Infirmary” gave him the inspiration for his TV special, “An Evening With Fred Astaire.” That show, with Astaire and Barrie Chase dancing to Jones’ trumpet--and vocal--won an unprecedented nine Emmy awards and led to a follow-up, “Another Evening With Fred Astaire,” also guest-starring Jones. Particularly memorable on the first program was a “conversation” between Astaire’s articulate feet and Jones’ eloquent trumpet.

PRESTON NEAL JONES

Hollywood