Mr. Joseph Thomas Lee

Mr. Joseph Thomas Lee, age 83 of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away Sunday May 19, 2013 at the St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born August 6, 1929 in Inverness, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ruby Phillips Lee and was a lifelong area resident. Joe Lee was an extraordinary musician, a multi-instrumentalist proficient in all reed instruments, flute and piano, who’s main instrument was tenor saxophone. He was a talented singer who was taught in the tradition of the famous Mississippi pianist/singer Mose Allison, with whom he became friends when both men were students at the University of Mississippi in Oxford in the late 1940s. As an accomplished bandleader, Joe led many groups during his long career and surrounded himself with some of the finest musicians in the Mid-South. He arranged many songs for his bands and was always willing to let his most talented players "stretch," or solo, to showcase their talents. His bands played locally throughout Northeast Arkansas and toured extensively in the earlier years along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans. As a younger man, Joe was the Artist and Repertoire representative for Fernwood Studios in Memphis. Working in a recording studio in the early days of rockabilly and rock and roll, Joemetwith many famous musicians, such as Elvis Presley, Bill Black and Scotty Moore. He also played with the Bill Justus Band, an outstanding ensemble which delved into rhythm and blues, jazz and soul. Other great musicians include guitarist Ronnie Colletta, trumpeter Johnny Davis, pianist/singer Charlie Rich, bassist Bill Black, saxophonist Herman Green, pianist Tom Ferguson, drummer Sammy Creason. Joe opened and managed Alley Records for many years, so named because it was located in an alley behind a barbershop in downtown Jonesboro. He was a talented studio executive and an expert at producing recordings which were audio gems. The quality of his recordings has stood the test of time, as they still sound crisp many years later. In that legendary studio he recorded Bobby Lee Trammell singing "The Arkansas Twist," which became a nationwide hit and also sold well abroad; blues legend Little Willie Dixon; and many contemporary and jazz groups which were popular. He also utilized the talents of many young musicians from Jonesboro and Arkansas State University, some of whom pursued careers as professional musicians. A savvy and talented promoter, Joe spent much time on the road for Alley Records, promoting his recordings. The physically small studio soon gained a reputation among musicians as a state-of-the-art facility which produced a "natural sound" without any frills or gimmicks. He was a member of the Jonesboro Jazz Society Orchestra for many years, which accompanied such jazz giants as Mel Torme, Kai Winding, Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Lou Marini and drummer Louis Bellson. Joe was a loving father, devoted friend, teacher and mentor to many who treasured time, traveling and venturing out with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many. He is survived by three daughters: Carole French of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Robbie Ryals of Atlanta, Georgia and Wendy Fourt of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; one step-daughter: Diane Krohn of New Orleans, Louisiana: a special companion: Judith Turner of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Mr. Lee also leaves six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Memorial services will be 4:30pm Friday May 24, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church Chapel in Jonesboro, Arkansas with Pastor John Roy Soward and Pastor Patty Soward officiating. The family will receive visitors from 4:00pm until time of service at the church. Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Arkansas in charge of arrangements.