Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls

SHIRLEY JONES AT SMITHSONIAN FOLK-LIFE FESTIVAL - ABC NEWS

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

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 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