The Jones Girls

Biography

The Jones Girls, comprising sisters Shirley, Valorie, and Brenda Jones, were born in Detroit, Michigan, to a family deeply rooted in gospel music. Their mother, Mary Frazier Jones, was a gospel singer, and the sisters began harmonizing at a young age. They started their career as backing vocalists for prominent artists like Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, and Diana Ross. Their breakthrough came when they were signed to Philadelphia International Records by Kenny Gamble after performing with Diana Ross. This marked the beginning of their successful run with hits like 'You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else' and 'I Just Love the Man.' Their music blended Motown flavors with Philly soul, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After their time at Philadelphia International, Shirley Jones pursued a solo career, achieving success with the hit 'Do You Get Enough Love.' Valorie passed away in 2001, and Brenda in 2017. Today, Shirley continues to perform with her nieces and nephew as The Jones Girls.

Musically, The Jones Girls were known for their harmonious vocals and the sophisticated arrangements provided by Gamble & Huff and Dexter Wansel. Their legacy is marked by their contribution to the Philly soul genre and their influence on subsequent soul and R&B artists. Despite their early struggles, they managed to leave a lasting impact on the music scene.

The Jones Girls' career spanned over a decade, with their peak success occurring during their time with Philadelphia International Records. Their music remains popular today, especially among fans of classic soul and Philly soul. Shirley Jones continues to keep their legacy alive through her performances and recordings.

Fun Facts

• The Jones Girls initially struggled to achieve success as a group, recording for smaller labels like Fortune and Hot Wax-Invictus before finding fame with Philadelphia International Records.
• Their biggest hit, 'You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,' reached number 38 on the Billboard Top 40 chart and became a gold record.
• Shirley Jones continued to perform as The Jones Girls with her nieces and nephew after her sisters passed away.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Kenny Gamble - Discoverer and mentor who signed them to Philadelphia International Records (The Jones Girls' debut album and subsequent hits) [Late 1970s to early 1980s]
• Dexter Wansel - Collaborator and songwriter ('Nights Over Egypt') [1981]

Key Collaborators

• Diana Ross - Employed them as backing vocalists on tour (Diana Ross's world tour) [1975-1978]
• Gamble & Huff - Producers and songwriters at Philadelphia International Records (The Jones Girls' albums) [Late 1970s to early 1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Various soul and R&B artists - Influence on the Philly soul genre and subsequent soul/R&B artists (General influence on soul music) [1980s onwards]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Nights Over Egypt (Get as Much Love as You Can)
2. Who Can I Run To (The Jones Girls)
3. You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else (The Jones Girls)
4. This Feeling's Killing Me (The Jones Girls)
5. I Need Some (I Need Some)
6. I'll Never Forget (My Favorite Disco) (Time Is Slipping Away)
7. When I'm Gone (At Peace with Woman)
8. Keep It Comin' (Keep It Comin')
9. Children of the Night (At Peace with Woman)
10. Dance Turned Into a Romance (At Peace with Woman)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #r&b, #soul