The Jones Girls were a talented R&B and soul trio from Detroit, made up of sisters Brenda, Valorie, and Shirley Jones. Known for their tight harmonies, classy image, and emotionally rich vocals, they found fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” and “I Just Love The Man.”
Before stepping into the spotlight, they spent years as backup singers for legends like Diana Ross, Lou Rawls, and Teddy Pendergrass. Their story is one of persistence, talent, and undeniable influence on R&B and soul music.
| Group Name | The Jones Girls |
|---|---|
| Members | Brenda Jones, Valorie Jones, Shirley Jones |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Disco |
| Years Active | 1968–1984 (original trio), 2000s–present (Shirley Jones solo and reunion performances) |
| Notable Labels | Philadelphia International Records, RCA Records, Curtom Records |
| Top Hit | “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” (No. 38 Billboard Hot 100, No. 5 R&B, 1979) |
| Other Hits | “I Just Love The Man”, “Dance Turned Into a Romance”, “Nights Over Egypt” |
| Associated Acts | Diana Ross, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass |
| Notable Solo Career | Shirley Jones – “Do You Get Enough Love” (No. 1 R&B, 1986) |
| Deceased Member | Valorie Jones (died 2001, age 45) |
Early Life and Musical Roots
The Jones sisters grew up in Detroit, surrounded by music. Their mother, Mary Frances Jones, was a gospel singer and inspired her daughters to develop their vocal talents. From the beginning, the sisters harmonized naturally, eventually forming a trio in 1968. Though young, they were musically mature and started performing professionally not long after.
Years as Backup Singers
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Before scoring hits of their own, Brenda, Valorie, and Shirley earned a solid reputation as backup vocalists. Their tight harmonies and professionalism made them a favorite among R&B stars looking for strong background support.
Throughout the 1970s, they worked with artists including:
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Lou Rawls
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Teddy Pendergrass
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Linda Clifford
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Betty Everett
However, it was their work with Diana Ross that truly opened doors. In 1973, arranger Gil Askey, who worked with Ross, heard the sisters’ Curtom Records single “Will You Be There” and recommended them. Ross hired them as her touring background singers—a gig that lasted several years and helped the sisters build stage experience and industry exposure.
Early Label Attempts and Setbacks
Before signing with a major label, the Jones Girls tried their luck with a number of small imprints:
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Fortune Records (Detroit) – No commercial success
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Hot Wax/Invictus Records – Failed to produce hits
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Curtom Records (Chicago, 1973) – Released two singles, but both flopped commercially
Though their early recordings failed to chart, these years sharpened their skills and introduced them to influential industry players.
Breakthrough with Philadelphia International Records
In the late 1970s, the Jones Girls signed with Philadelphia International Records (PIR)—home to soul giants like The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and Patti LaBelle. The PIR sound, led by legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, proved to be a perfect fit.
Their 1979 self-titled debut album included the smash hit “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else.”
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No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100
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No. 5 on the R&B chart
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No. 9 on the Dance/Disco chart
This success catapulted the sisters into the spotlight, establishing them as soulful voices with crossover appeal.
Follow-Up Albums and Chart Success
The Jones Girls released three albums on PIR:
1. The Jones Girls (1979)
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Peaked at No. 50 on Billboard 200
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Peaked at No. 8 on R&B Albums chart
2. At Peace with Woman (1980)
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Included “I Just Love the Man” (No. 9 R&B)
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Album reached No. 7 R&B Albums
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Refined their mix of romantic ballads and danceable soul
3. Get As Much Love As You Can (1981)
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Charted lower but featured beloved tracks like
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“Nights Over Egypt” – now a cult classic
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“(I Found) That Man of Mine”
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Album peaked at No. 155 pop, No. 25 R&B
Though they never repeated their debut single’s mainstream crossover success, they became R&B radio and dancefloor favorites.
Signature Songs and Sound
The Jones Girls’ music featured smooth harmonies, rich instrumentation, and emotional vocals. Some of their standout songs include:
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“We’re A Melody” – a fan favorite with jazzy vibes
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“I’m At Your Mercy” – lush production and heartfelt delivery
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“Dance Turned Into A Romance” – slick disco-soul fusion
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“Nights Over Egypt” – a slow jam turned neo-soul staple
Their sound influenced later acts in R&B and soul, including En Vogue, SWV, and Jill Scott.
Label Changes and Decline
After three successful albums with PIR, the Jones Girls moved to RCA Records. In 1983, they released On Target, but the album failed to chart, and none of its singles made an impact. Creative differences and commercial disappointment led Shirley Jones to leave the group to pursue a solo career.
Shirley Jones’ Solo Success
In 1986, Shirley signed with Philadelphia International as a solo artist and released the album Always in the Mood. Her single “Do You Get Enough Love” topped the R&B chart, becoming:
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No. 1 on Billboard Hot Black Singles
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A signature hit of mid-1980s quiet storm R&B
Shirley’s solo success proved her talent could shine both within and outside the group setting.
Tragedy and Later Years
In 2001, Valorie Jones passed away at the age of 45 from complications related to alcoholism. Her death was a deep blow to the group and their fans.
Brenda Jones died in 2017 after being struck by a car in Wilmington, Delaware. She was 62.
Shirley Jones has continued to honor her sisters’ legacy, performing under the name The Jones Girls featuring Shirley Jones at soul music festivals and classic R&B events.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Jones Girls remain a beloved act in the world of classic R&B and soul. Their songs are frequently sampled and referenced in contemporary music. Artists such as:
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The Roots
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Common
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Jill Scott
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Mary J. Blige
have expressed admiration for their work.
Their blend of family harmony, sophisticated soul production, and heartfelt lyrics left a permanent mark on Black music history.
Conclusion
The Jones Girls’ story is one of perseverance, talent, and sisterhood. From backup singers to soul chart-toppers, they earned their place in music history with class, charm, and timeless grooves. While tragedy has claimed two of the sisters, their songs continue to play on radios and playlists around the world.
Their legacy lives on through Shirley Jones’s performances and the enduring popularity of classics like “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else” and “Nights Over Egypt.” In a world of fleeting fame, the Jones Girls remind us that soul—and family—never goes out of style.