The Jewels

Biography

The Jewels were an R&B and doo-wop group formed in Washington, D.C. in 1961, though the group's origins trace back to 1958 when members attended Roosevelt High School[3][4]. Originally performing as The Impalas, then The Renaults, and later The Four Jewels, the group consisted of Sandra Bears, Grace Ruffin, Margie Clark, and Carrie Mingo[3][4]. Under the direction of D.C. producer Bob Lee in 1962, they were renamed The Jewels[4]. The group gained early exposure through Bo Diddley, the legendary R&B guitarist who lived in Northeast D.C. and recorded their debut single "I Need You So Much" on Checker Records[3][4]. They performed in Diddley's basement alongside other D.C. talent and recorded multiple singles for various labels including Start Records, Chess, Federal, and King throughout the early 1960s[3][4].

The Jewels achieved their greatest commercial success in 1964 when they signed to Dimension Records and released "Opportunity," which peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #2 on KRLA 1110[3][4]. Around 1963, Carrie Mingo was replaced by Martha Harvin (later known as Martha High), solidifying the group's classic lineup[3][6]. Beginning in 1965, the group became backing vocalists for James Brown, initially intended for three dates but extending to a full year on the road[4]. They sang background vocals on Brown's notable recordings including "Don't Be a Dropout" (1967) and "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" (1968)[4]. The group disbanded in 1968, though the original members reunited in 1985 to release an album of re-recorded singles titled Loaded with Goodies[3]. The Jewels secured their legacy in R&B and doo-wop history, receiving recognition including a Kennedy Center honor in 2008 and being the subject of an award-winning 2012 PBS documentary[4].

Fun Facts

• The group was spotted by James Brown at the Apollo Theater in New York in 1963, leading to their recruitment as his first female background singers[4]
• Martha Harvin, who replaced Carrie Mingo in 1963, changed her stage name to Martha High and went on to tour with James Brown for approximately thirty years, also releasing a solo disco album in 1979[3]
• The Jewels' song "Loaded with Goodies" was originally recorded on the Start Label in 1962 and later re-released on Checker Records in 1963[4]
• The group was featured in the portrait "The Pioneers of Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop" on June 6, 1999, securing their place in early R&B history[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bo Diddley - Legendary R&B guitarist who lived in Northeast D.C. and served as an A&R man for Chess Records. He recorded The Jewels' debut single and provided studio access for the group to practice and record ("I Need You So Much" (debut single on Checker Records)) [Early 1960s]
• Bob Lee - D.C. producer who directed the group and changed their name from The Four Jewels to The Jewels in 1962 ("Loaded with Goodies" and other early recordings) [1962 onwards]

Key Collaborators

• James Brown - The Jewels served as backing vocalists for James Brown's revue, initially for three dates but extending to one year on the road. Brown later produced two singles for the group ("Don't Be a Dropout" (1967), "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" (1968)) [1965-1968]
• Billy Stewart - Cousin of Grace Ruffin; The Jewels provided backing vocals for his Chess recording "Reap What You Sow," which became Stewart's first charting song ("Reap What You Sow") [Early 1960s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia