Howard Jones -

Howard Jones (born Feb. 23, 1955) is an English keyboardist, singer, and songwriter who released four albums on WEA between 1984 and 1989, charting first with “New Song” and “What Is Love?” He achieved transatlantic success with his 1985 release Dream Into Action, which spawned the hits “Things Can Only Get Better,” “Like to Get to Know You Well,” and “No One Is to Blame.”

He was born John Howard Jones on February 23, 1955, in Southampton to Welsh parents. He was raised in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, South Wales, with his three younger brothers (Roy, Martin, and Paul), who all became musicians. At age seven, he took up piano. While in his teens, his family moved to Canada.

Jones first recorded as a member of Warrior, a symphonic-rock trio with guitarist Paul Zeisler and bassist Richard Hammond. Their sole release, Invasion, is an undated white label pressing of 100 copies on private-press Eden. During the late ’70s, Jones’ three brothers played in the post-punk band Red Beat.

While enrolled at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Jones worked with lyricist Bill Bryant, a Buddhist practitioner who influenced Howard’s outlook. During the early 1980s, Jones developed a theatrical act where he played music behind mime artist Jed Hoile.

In 1983, Jones rented the Marquee Club for a record label showcase. After he secured opening slots on tours by China Crisis and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, he signed to Warner Bros.

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