Billy Jones Way: Williamsburg honors music man who made room for others’ dreams
The community gave Billy Jones a permanent place in the neighborhood he helped shape by renaming a stretch of Broadway for the man who gave countless artists a stage and a reason to keep dreaming.
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A Williamsburg street was renamed on Sunday for a man who helped put Brooklyn's live music scene on the map.
The community gave Billy Jones a permanent place in the neighborhood he helped shape by renaming a stretch of Broadway for the man who gave countless artists a stage and a reason to keep dreaming.
Jones, who died last year at 45 after a year-long battle with brain cancer, helped shape Brooklyn’s independent music scene alongside his friend Zachery Mexico when they opened Baby’s All Right in 2013.
Those who knew Jones say his legacy goes beyond the venue.
Friends and family remember him as someone who gave aspiring musicians opportunities, offered people a platform to perform and helped others find their place in the industry.
“He was my mentor, friend, business partner...everything in between,” said Tom Moor, who described Jones as an important influence in his life.
Jones’ family joined members of the community for the street renaming ceremony to celebrate his contributions to Williamsburg and the people whose lives he touched.
“To know that Billy was an integral part of bringing the music scene back to Brooklyn...that’s really what we are celebrating tonight,” said Ned Jones, Billy’s father.
Nicole Holland, his sister, said Jones wanted everyone to feel supported and included.
“He wanted everyone...everyone to feel supported, to feel heard, to feel joy, to have fun and to live life," Holland said.
The new street sign serves as a lasting tribute to Jones and the community he helped build — one rooted in live music, opportunity and making room for others to follow their dreams.
