Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls
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Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls

McDonough, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1979 | SELF | AFTRA

McDonough, Georgia, United States | SELF | AFTRA
Established on Jan, 1979
Band R&B Singer/Songwriter

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"ABC NEWS.COM Story on SHIRLEY JONES"

SHIRLEY JONES AT SMITHSONIAN FOLK-LIFE FESTIVAL - ABC NEWS


"Soul Tracks"

If one of the missions of Soul Tracks is to highlight great artists who haven't received their "props," we'd need to look no further than this trio of sisters from Detroit. For during a half decade between 1979 and 1984, Shirley, Valorie and Brenda Jones created some of the most glorious Soul music around.


Born and raised in Detroit in a gospel singing family, the Jones Girls spent the better part of the 60s and 70s as sought-after backing vocalists, first regionally and then on a national basis. Their attempts to break through as a singing group on a number of smaller labels (including a brief stint at Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label) failed, and they seemed destined to spend their careers harmonizing behind bigger artists. However, while serving as Diana Ross's backing group during a mid-70s tour, the girls were "discovered" by Kenny Gamble and were signed to Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records.

They came out smoking on PIR with their eponymous debut album and the infectious dance single "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else," which stormed the pop, soul and dance charts. They followed with the beautiful ballad, "We're A Melody," a prototypical Philly song with sophisticated arrangements wrapped around their wonderful harmonies.

Both drop dead gorgeous and talented, the Jones Girls were individually accomplished singers; but together, their voices were absolutely heavenly. And at PIR they found the perfect match in the melodic writing and lush production that Gamble & Huff and Dexter Wansel/Cynthia Biggs provided them. Their second and third PIR albums were gems. At Peace With Woman and Get As Much Love As You Can featured a number of now classic cuts, including the club favorite "Nights Over Egypt," the sassy "I Just Love the Man" and a timeless cover of the Stylistics' "Children of the Night."

- Chris Rizik


"Giving Props"

One of the most talented female vocal groups oa all time, and one of Detroits' greatest gifts to the music world, is The Jones Girls,for whatever reason Shirley,Valorie and Brenda Jones have not received the amount of attention their talents and accomplishments merit. The Jones Girls were at their peak from 1979 to 1982 when they enjoyed national success with hits such as "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else","I Just Love The Man","Nights Over and "Dance Turned Into Romance" Their well-received albums include "The Jones Girls" and "At Peace With Woman".When the group became inactive Shirley Jones emerged with a No.1 hit in mid-1986 "Do You Get Enough Love?" The Jones girls first big break came in 1977 when Diana Ross hired them as her background singers. Their harmony was so tight and their attitude and demeanor so professional that they were hired on the spot. There was no need to audition anyone else. They stayed with Ross until 1978. We send love to Brenda, Shirley and cherish the memory of Valorie. - Steve Hosley Michigan Chronicle 10/09


"Speaking Of"

Speaking of Songstresses from Detroit, In a recent column I wrote a tribute to The Jones Girls. Shortly after, I received an e-mail and pictures from lead singer Shirley Jones. Now living in Georgia , Jones returned to performing two years ago and at the time of this writing was preparing tto join TheLove Train/The Sound of Philadelphia Tour with The O'Jays and others. She is billed as The Jones Girls featuring Shirley Jones. - Steve Hosley Michigan Chronicle 11/09


Discography

The Jones Girls, At Peace with Woman, Get as Much Lovin as You Can ,Keep It Comin, The Jones girls Comin Back(London) With You (London) Always in The Mood,all of the above are albums. You Gonna Make Me Love somebody Else #1 gold Record, Do You Get Enough Love #1 Solo single. "Nights Over Egypt (grammy nominated) Yes I do have streaming and radio airplay.

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Bio

SHIRLEY JONES
In 1979 The Jones Girls “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” showed Gamble and Huff still had the magic touch. The classic went top ten on Billboards’ R&B and Disco Charts. However, lead singer Shirley Jones and sisters Brenda and Valorie were not new to the game. Gospel singer Mary Frazier Jones groomed her daughters unique harmonies when they were babies in their hometown Detroit.
By the time Shirley and her sisters signed with Philadelphia International Records, they were teenage veterans. The Jones Girls traveled the world for several years as fellow Detroiter Diana Ross’ back up singers. Ms. Ross even let the girls shine with their own spot where they sang “If I Ever Lose This Heaven”. Diana Ross told Gamble and Huff The Jones Girls were too good to be anybody’s back-up singers forever.
Those Philly years provided Shirley and her sisters with a string of hits. They include “Who Can I Run To”, “I Just Love The Man”, “Dance Turned Into A Romance” and their Grammy-Nominated classic “Nights Over Egypt”. After a brief unsuccessful stay at RCA Records , The Jones Girls decided to take a hiatus. Brenda got married and Valorie entered college. But Shirley still wanted to sing.
She returned to Philadelphia International Records in 1985 as a solo artist. Shirleys’ 1986 Debut album “Always In The Mood” proved she could handle the spotlight alone. Her 1986 classic “Do You Get Enough Love” stayed number one on Billboards R&B Chart for Three weeks!!!
“Do You Get Enough Love” proved to be prophetic.Recently Shirley has travelled to Europe with Jean Carne and Patrice Rushen. In 2017 Shirley performed at Essence Music festival at the request of Mary J. Blige for her Womens night show, 2018 she did the Tom Joyner morning show cruise to raise money historically Black Colleges. For Booking Info visit My Website www.shirleyjonesgirl.com or call Team Airplay 404-579-9520 . for a classy, night of true singing and entertaining. call nw. 

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