Thad Jones was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who was active from the 1950s to the 1990s. He is best known for his work with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, a big band which he co-led with drummer Mel Lewis from 1965 until 1979. He also composed and arranged music for many other groups, including Count Basie's Orchestra, and released several albums as a solo artist.