Beloved Phoenix musician ‘King of Strings’ Carvin Jones dies, 60

Carvin Jones, the Phoenix blues guitarist who billed himself the “King of Strings” and toured the world for nearly three decades, died Sunday, his family said.

He was 60.

The statement, posted on his official website, did not give a cause of death. He announced a cancer diagnosis last year.

Born Corvin Keith Anthony Jones in Lufkin, Texas, Jones started touring internationally in 1997. His biography credits him with performances in 37 countries, more than a dozen albums and appearances alongside musicians including B.B. King, Santana and Jeff Beck.

His performances often took him offstage and into the crowd.

“Carvin loved being onstage because he loved being with people,” the statement said. “He would leave the stage to play in the crowd, turning every show into something shared.”

Offstage, Jones sponsored and coached youth basketball teams in the Phoenix area.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Carvin Cares, using his own money to buy and deliver groceries to older residents.

His family plans to hold a celebration of his life in Phoenix, with details to be announced later.

The family also warned against unauthorized fundraising requests, saying any memorial fund or donation request would be announced only through Jones’ official website and verified social media accounts.

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