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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gloria Jones
| name = Gloria Jones
| image = Gloria Jones 7213s (cropped).jpg
| image = Gloria Jones 7213s (cropped).jpg
| caption = Jones in 2014
| caption = Jones in 2014
| alias = LaVerne Ware
| alias = LaVerne Ware
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1945|10|19}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1945|10|19}}
| birth_place = [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]], U.S.
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[rhythm and blues|R&B]]
* [[rhythm and blues|R&B]]
* [[Northern soul]]
* [[gospel music|gospel]]
* [[gospel music|gospel]]
* [[glam rock]]
* [[glam rock]]
}}
}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|keyboards|tambourine}}
| years_active = 1960–2019
| label = {{flatlist|
| years_active = 1960–
⚫
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Minit Records|Minit]]
* [[Minit Records|Minit]]
* [[Motown]]
* [[Motown]]
* [[EMI]]
* [[EMI]]
}}
}}
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
| occupations = {{flatlist|
* [[Marc Bolan]]
* [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]]
}}
⚫
| occupations = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* Singer
* songwriter
* songwriter
}}
}}
| birth_name = Gloria Richetta Jones
| birth_name = Gloria Richetta Jones
}}
}}


'''Gloria Richetta Jones''' (born October 19, 1945) is an American singer and songwriter who first found success in the United Kingdom, being recognized there as "The Queen of Northern Soul".<ref name=Brown1976/> She recorded the 1965 hit song "[[Tainted Love]]" and has worked in multiple genres as a [[Motown]] songwriter and recording artist, backing vocalist, and as a performer in [[Musical theatre|musicals]] such as ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]''. In the 1970s, she was a keyboardist and vocalist in [[Marc Bolan]]'s [[glam rock]] band [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]]. She and Bolan were also in a committed romantic relationship and had a son together.
'''Gloria Richetta Jones''' (born October 19, 1945) is an American singer and songwriter who first found success in the United Kingdom, being recognized there as "The Queen of [[Northern Soul]]".<ref name=Brown1976/> She recorded the 1965 hit song "[[Tainted Love]]" and has worked in multiple genres as a [[Motown]] songwriter and recording artist, backing vocalist, and as a performer in [[Musical theatre|musicals]] such as ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]''. In the 1970s, she was a keyboardist and vocalist in [[Marc Bolan]]'s [[glam rock]] band [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]]. She and Bolan were also in a committed romantic relationship and had a son together.


⚫
==Early life and career==
==Biography==

⚫
===Early life and career===
Jones was born in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], and moved to Los Angeles, California, at the age of seven, where she first started singing. Jones' first taste of fame came at the age of 14, when, while still at school, she formed with Frankie Kahrl and [[Billy Preston]] the successful gospel group the COGIC Singers, with whom she recorded the album ''It's a Blessing''. Although she remained with the group for some four years, she soon found herself drawn into the Los Angeles pop scene.
Jones was born in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], and moved to Los Angeles, California, at the age of seven, where she first started singing. Jones' first taste of fame came at the age of 14, when, while still at school, she formed with Frankie Kahrl and [[Billy Preston]] the successful gospel group the COGIC Singers, with whom she recorded the album ''It's a Blessing''. Although she remained with the group for some four years, she soon found herself drawn into the Los Angeles pop scene.


In 1964, Jones, in her late teens, was discovered by the songwriter [[Ed Cobb]]. Signing with Cobb's Greengrass Productions, she [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] her first hit [[gramophone record|record]], "Heartbeat Pts 1 & 2," which Cobb wrote and produced. She [[concert tour|toured]] the United States, performing on several American television programs, footage of which still exists. One performance occurred at a Rock and Soul show in [[Disneyland]] in the summer of 1965. "Heartbeat" became a rhythm and blues tune which was recorded later by [[Dusty Springfield]], [[Spencer Davis]] and many other artists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://blindedbysound.com/features/deepsoul/deepsoul-gloria-jones-tainted-love/ |title= DeepSoul: Gloria Jones - "Tainted Love" |language=en |date= May 26, 2015 |author= Kit O'Toole |access-date= October 17, 2017 |work= Blinded by Sound }}</ref>
In 1964, Jones, in her late teens, was discovered by the songwriter [[Ed Cobb]]. Signing with Cobb's Greengrass Productions, she [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] her first hit [[gramophone record|record]], "Heartbeat Pts 1 & 2," which Cobb wrote and produced.
She [[concert tour|toured]] the United States, performing on several American television programs, footage of which still exists. One performance occurred at a Rock and Soul show in [[Disneyland]] in the summer of 1965. "Heartbeat" became a rhythm and blues tune which was recorded later by [[Dusty Springfield]], [[Spencer Davis]] and many other artists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://blindedbysound.com/features/deepsoul/deepsoul-gloria-jones-tainted-love/ |title= DeepSoul: Gloria Jones - "Tainted Love" |language=en |date= May 26, 2015 |author= Kit O'Toole |access-date= October 17, 2017 |work= Blinded by Sound }}</ref>

By then, Jones had recorded other songs for Uptown Records, a subsidiary of [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[EMI Records|EMI]]. Included among these was another Cobb-written song, "[[Tainted Love]]". So strong was Jones's following in [[Northern England]] that she was proclaimed "The Queen of Northern Soul".<ref name=Brown1976>Brown, Lynne (1976). "Gloria Jones Biography", EMI Records Press Office, 1.</ref>

Jones also recorded an album for the Uptown [[record label|label]] entitled ''[[Come Go with Me (Gloria Jones album)|Come Go with Me]]'' which was released in 1966. Jones studied piano, and acquired an advanced classical degree primarily in the works of [[Bach]].<ref name=Brown1976/>

⚫
In 1968, she joined the cast of ''Catch My Soul'', a rock and soul version of the play ''[[Othello]]'', which included cast members [[Jerry Lee Lewis]], [[The Blossoms]], and [[Dr. John]]. During the summer of 1968, she performed in a play called ''Revolution'', at the [[Mark Taper Forum]] in Los Angeles. That winter, she joined the Los Angeles cast of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'', the musical. Eventually, she was to meet [[Pam Sawyer]], who asked her to write for [[Motown Records]]. Jones and Sawyer were amongst the second string of writers at Motown, but still wrote for such artists as [[Gladys Knight & the Pips]], [[Commodores]], [[The Four Tops]] and [[The Jackson 5]].


As Jones was also initially a singer for the label, protocol demanded a [[pseudonym]], so for some of her co-writes she used the name '''LaVerne Ware'''.<ref>Betts, Graham (2014). Motown Encyclopedia. AC Publishing; {{ISBN|9781311441546}}</ref>
⚫
By then, Jones had recorded other songs for Uptown Records, a subsidiary of [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[EMI Records|EMI]]. Included among these was another Cobb-written song, "[[Tainted Love]]". So strong was Jones's following in [[Northern England]] that she was proclaimed "The Queen of Northern Soul".<ref name=Brown1976>Brown, Lynne (1976). "Gloria Jones Biography", EMI Records Press Office, 1.</ref> Jones also recorded an album for the Uptown [[record label|label]] entitled ''[[Come Go with Me (Gloria Jones album)|Come Go with Me]]'' which was released in 1966. Jones studied piano, and acquired an advanced classical degree primarily in the works of [[Bach]].<ref name=Brown1976/> In 1968, she joined the cast of ''Catch My Soul'', a rock and soul version of the play ''[[Othello]]'', which included cast members [[Jerry Lee Lewis]], [[The Blossoms]], and [[Dr. John]]. During the summer of 1968, she performed in a play called ''Revolution'', at the [[Mark Taper Forum]] in Los Angeles. That winter, she joined the Los Angeles cast of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'', the musical. Eventually, she was to meet [[Pam Sawyer]], who asked her to write for [[Motown Records]]. Jones and Sawyer were amongst the second string of writers at Motown, but still wrote for such artists as [[Gladys Knight & the Pips]], [[Commodores]], [[The Four Tops]] and [[The Jackson 5]]. As Jones was also initially a singer for the label, protocol demanded a [[pseudonym]], so for some of her co-writes she used the name '''LaVerne Ware''' (not to be confused with another Motown songwriter/producer, [[Leon Ware]]).<ref>Betts, Graham (2014). Motown Encyclopedia. AC Publishing. {{ISBN|9781311441546}}</ref>


Songs that Jones worked on during this period include [[The Supremes]]' "Have I Lost You" (writer), [[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Diana Ross]]'s "My Mistake (Was to Love You)" (writer), [[Junior Walker]]'s "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" (writer/producer) and the Four Tops' "Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)" (writer). In 1970 she provided backing vocals on [[Ry Cooder]]'s [[Ry Cooder (album)|eponymous first album]]. The most remembered song that Jones penned was Gladys Knight and the Pips' "[[If I Were Your Woman (song)|If I Were Your Woman]]", which was nominated for a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] in 1971. Jones left Motown at the end of 1973, following the release of her album ''[[Share My Love (album)|Share My Love]]''.
Songs that Jones worked on during this period include [[The Supremes]]' "Have I Lost You" (writer), [[Marvin Gaye]] and [[Diana Ross]]'s "[[My Mistake (Was to Love You)]]" (writer), [[Junior Walker]]'s "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" (writer/producer) and the Four Tops' "Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)" (writer). In 1970 she provided backing vocals on [[Ry Cooder]]'s [[Ry Cooder (album)|eponymous first album]]. The best-known song that Jones penned was Gladys Knight and the Pips' "[[If I Were Your Woman (song)|If I Were Your Woman]]", which was nominated for a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] in 1971. Jones left Motown at the end of 1973, following the release of her album ''[[Share My Love (album)|Share My Love]]''.


=== After Motown ===
== After Motown ==
[[File:GloriaJones76.jpg|thumb|Jones performing with T. Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow, Scotland]]
[[File:GloriaJones76.jpg|thumb|Jones performing with T. Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow, Scotland]]
Jones first met [[Marc Bolan]] of [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]] in 1969 while performing in ''Hair'' (Los Angeles cast). While touring in Europe, Bolan and Jones met for the second time at the Speakeasy in London. In 1972, she was recommended by [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Brothers]]' Bob Regehr to sing backing vocals behind T. Rex at [[Winterland Ballroom|Winterland]] in San Francisco.
Jones first met [[Marc Bolan]] of [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]] in 1969 while performing in ''Hair'' (Los Angeles cast). While touring in Europe, Bolan and Jones met for the second time at the Speakeasy in London. In 1972, she was recommended by [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Brothers]]' Bob Regehr to sing backing vocals behind T. Rex at [[Winterland Ballroom|Winterland]] in San Francisco.


Soon after joining T. Rex, Jones and Bolan became romantically involved. They had a son, Rolan Bolan (b. September 26, 1975). She sang backing vocals and played [[clavinet]] with T. Rex from 1973 to 1977. Her rendition of [[(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay|"Dock of the Bay"]] appears as a bonus track on T. Rex's album ''[[Bolan's Zip Gun]]''. Jones released an album in 1976, called ''[[Vixen (Gloria Jones album)|Vixen]]'', which featured several songs written by Bolan, and he also was the producer for the album.
Soon after joining T. Rex, Jones and Bolan became romantically involved. They had a son, Rolan Bolan (b. September 26, 1975). She sang backing vocals and played [[clavinet]] with T. Rex from 1973 to 1977. Her rendition of "[[(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay]]" appears as a bonus track on T. Rex's album ''[[Bolan's Zip Gun]]''. Jones released an album in 1976, called ''[[Vixen (Gloria Jones album)|Vixen]]'', which featured several songs written by Bolan, and he also was the producer for the album.{{cn|date=May 2024}}


In 1977, Jones worked with the group [[Gonzalez (band)|Gonzalez]], producing several of their [[single (music)|singles]], and also penning the [[disco]] hit, "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" for the group. She toured the UK with Gonzalez, first on the [[Bob Marley]] tour, and then with [[Osibisa]].
In 1977, Jones worked with the group [[Gonzalez (band)|Gonzalez]], producing several of their [[single (music)|singles]], and also penning the [[disco]] hit, "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" for the group. She toured the UK with Gonzalez, first on the [[Bob Marley]] tour, and then with [[Osibisa]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}


== Automobile accident ==
She was the driver of the car, a [[Austin Mini|Mini 1275 GT]], that crashed near [[Barnes Common]], striking a tree and killing Bolan at 4 a.m. on September 16, 1977, on the way back to Bolan's [[Richmond, London|Richmond]] property. They were returning from an evening at a restaurant in [[Mayfair]] where they had both been drinking wine.<ref name=mini/> Jones was found by her brother Richard, her foot trapped beneath the clutch by the engine, while Bolan was found still in the passenger seat which had been dislodged and landed in the rear of the vehicle.<ref name=paytress>[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-yk4U2LILeMC&pg=PT451 ''Marc Bolan - Rise and Fall of a Twentieth Century Superstar'' Mark Paytress], [[Omnibus Press]] 2005</ref> Jones broke her jaw in the accident.<ref name=paytress /><ref name=mini/> When she was well enough to leave the hospital, she was informed that Bolan's fans had looted most of their possessions from their house.<ref name=mini>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/16/newsid_2519000/2519173.stm | title=1977: T-Rex singer killed in car smash | publisher=BBC | date=September 16, 2005 | access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> She was later scheduled to appear in court in London on charges of being unfit to drive and of driving a car in a dangerous condition. However, she left the UK with her son and returned to the US before the court date so the Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.<ref name=mini/>
She was the driver of the car, a [[Austin Mini|Mini 1275 GT]], that struck a tree near [[Barnes Common]], killing Bolan at 4 a.m. on September 16, 1977, on the way back to Bolan's [[Richmond, London|Richmond]] property. They had been returning from an evening at a restaurant in [[Mayfair]] where they had both been drinking wine.<ref name=mini/> Jones was found by her brother Richard with her foot trapped beneath the clutch by the engine. Bolan was found unconscious in the passenger seat, which had been dislodged and landed in the rear of the vehicle. Jones was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Bolan was not wearing a seat belt. Jones was conscious after the crash. Bolan, who was a passenger in the car that slammed into the tree, was pronounced dead at the scene on the arrival of paramedics.<ref name=paytress>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-yk4U2LILeMC&pg=PT451 ''Marc Bolan - Rise and Fall of a Twentieth Century Superstar'' Mark Paytress], [[Omnibus Press]] 2005</ref> Jones survived the crash but was critically injured. She sustained a broken jaw in the crash and was sent directly to the hospital in London for treatment, fighting for her life while in critical condition.<ref name=paytress /><ref name=mini/> When she recovered sufficiently to leave hospital, she was informed that Bolan's fans had looted most of their possessions from their house.<ref name=mini>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/16/newsid_2519000/2519173.stm | title=1977: T-Rex singer killed in car smash | publisher=BBC | date=September 16, 2005 | access-date=October 14, 2011}}</ref> She was later scheduled to appear in court in London on charges of being unfit to drive and of driving a car in a dangerous condition. However, she left the UK with her son and returned to the US before the court date, so the Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.<ref name=mini/>


===After Bolan===
==After Bolan==
[[File:Gloria Jones with son Rolan Bolan 7972.jpg|thumb|Jones with her son Rolan in 2014]]
[[File:Gloria Jones with son Rolan Bolan 7972.jpg|thumb|Jones with her son Rolan in 2014]]


Having lost her possessions, Jones moved with her son back to Los Angeles where they stayed with Jones' family.
Having lost her possessions, Jones moved with her son back to Los Angeles, where they stayed with Jones's family.{{cn|date=May 2024}}


In 1978, she released the album ''[[Windstorm (Gloria Jones album)|Windstorm]]'', which she dedicated to the memory of Bolan: the back cover reads, "Special dedication in memory of my son's father, Marc Bolan, whom we miss very much." Her single "Bring on the Love" was a success on the American [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B]] [[record chart|chart]].
In 1978, she released the album ''[[Windstorm (Gloria Jones album)|Windstorm]]'', which she dedicated to the memory of Bolan: the back cover reads, "Special dedication in memory of my son's father, Marc Bolan, whom we miss very much." Her single "Bring on the Love" was a success on the American [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B]] [[record chart|chart]].
Line 167: Line 170:


===Backing vocal work===
===Backing vocal work===
* 1966 With Denny Brooks on ''Denny Brooks''
* 1966 with Denny Brooks on ''Denny Brooks''
* 1966 With Gary St. Clair on ''Gary St. Clair''
* 1966 with Gary St. Clair on ''Gary St. Clair''
* 1966 With [[Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band]] on ''Music For The Times We Live In''
* 1966 with [[Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band]] on ''Music For The Times We Live In''
* 1968 With [[Neil Young]] on ''[[Neil Young (album)|Neil Young]]''
* 1968 with [[Neil Young]] on ''[[Neil Young (album)|Neil Young]]''
* 1968 With [[Jackie DeShannon]] on "[[Put a Little Love in Your Heart]]"
* 1968 with [[Jackie DeShannon]] on "[[Put a Little Love in Your Heart]]"
* 1969 with the Brothers and Sisters of Los Angeles on ''[[Dylan's Gospel]]''
* 1969 with the Brothers and Sisters of Los Angeles on ''[[Dylan's Gospel]]''
** Gloria sings lead on "I Shall Be Released", "Chimes of Freedom", and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"
** Gloria sings lead on "I Shall Be Released", "Chimes of Freedom", and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"
* 1970 With [[Ry Cooder]] on ''[[Ry Cooder (album)|Ry Cooder]]''
* 1970 with [[Ry Cooder]] on ''[[Ry Cooder (album)|Ry Cooder]]''
* 1970 With Daniel Moore on ''Daniel Moore''
* 1970 with Daniel Moore on ''Daniel Moore''
* 1971 With [[Jesse Ed Davis|Jesse Davis]] on ''Jesse Davis''
* 1971 with [[Jesse Ed Davis|Jesse Davis]] on ''Jesse Davis''
* 1971 With [[Ry Cooder]] on ''[[Into the Purple Valley]]''
* 1971 with [[Ry Cooder]] on ''[[Into the Purple Valley]]''
* 1971 With [[REO Speedwagon]] on ''REO Speedwagon''
* 1971 with [[REO Speedwagon]] on ''REO Speedwagon''
* 1971 With [[Roy Ayers]]/Roy Ayers Ubiquity on ''He's Coming''
* 1971 with [[Roy Ayers]]/Roy Ayers Ubiquity on ''He's Coming''
* 1971 With Alan Gerber on ''Alan Gerber Album''
* 1971 with Alan Gerber on ''Alan Gerber Album''
* 1972 With [[Buffy Saint Marie]] on ''[[Moonshot (album)|Moonshot]]''
* 1972 with [[Buffy Saint Marie]] on ''[[Moonshot (album)|Moonshot]]''
* 1972 With [[Elvin Bishop]] on ''Rock My Soul''
* 1972 with [[Elvin Bishop]] on ''Rock My Soul''
* 1972 With [[Delaney Bramlett]] on ''Some Things Coming (Heartbeat)''
* 1972 with [[Delaney Bramlett]] on ''Some Things Coming (Heartbeat)''
* 1973 With [[Judee Sill]] on ''Heart Food''
* 1973 with [[Judee Sill]] on ''Heart Food''
* 1973 With [[Little Feat]] on ''[[Dixie Chicken (album)|Dixie Chicken]]''
* 1973 with [[Little Feat]] on ''[[Dixie Chicken (album)|Dixie Chicken]]''
* 1973 With [[John Kay (musician)|John Kay]] on ''My Sportin' Life''
* 1973 with [[John Kay (musician)|John Kay]] on ''My Sportin' Life''
* 1973 With [[Maria Muldaur]] on ''[[Maria Muldaur (album)|Maria Muldaur]]''
* 1973 with [[Maria Muldaur]] on ''[[Maria Muldaur (album)|Maria Muldaur]]''
* 1973 With [[Joe Cocker]] on ''[[Joe Cocker (album)|Joe Cocker]]''
* 1973 with [[Joe Cocker]] on ''[[Joe Cocker (album)|Joe Cocker]]''
* 1973 With [[Judee Sill]] on ''Heart Food''
* 1973 with [[Eddie Floyd]] on ''Soul Street''
* 1973 With [[Eddie Floyd]] on ''Soul Street''
* 1973 with [[REO Speedwagon]] on ''[[Ridin' the Storm Out]]''
* 1973 With [[REO Speedwagon]] on ''[[Ridin' the Storm Out]]''
* 1974 with Michael Edward Campbell on ''Michael Edward Campbell''
* 1974 With Michael Edward Campbell on ''Michael Edward Campbell''
* 1974 with [[The Commodores]] on ''Machine Gun''
* 1974 With [[The Commodores]] on ''Machine Gun''
* 1975 with [[Michael Masser]] on ''The Original Soundtrack of Mahogany''
* 1975 With [[Michael Masser]] on ''The Original Soundtrack of Mahogany''
* 1975 with [[Harry Nilsson]] on ''[[Duit on Mon Dei]]''
* 1975 With [[Harry Nilsson]] on ''[[Duit on Mon Dei]]''
* 1977 with [[Billy Preston]] on ''Whole New Thing''
* 1977 With [[Billy Preston]] on ''Whole New Thing''
* 1977 with [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]] on ''[[Dandy in the Underworld]]''
* 1977 With [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]] on ''[[Dandy in the Underworld]]''
* 1978 with [[Steve Harley]] on ''Hobo With a Grin''
* 1978 With [[Steve Harley]] on ''Hobo with a Grin''
* 1979 with [[Billy Preston]] on ''[[Late at Night (Billy Preston album)|Late at Night]]''
* 1979 With [[Billy Preston]] on ''[[Late at Night (Billy Preston album)|Late at Night]]''
* 1980 with [[Lonnie Liston Smith]] on ''Love is the Answer''
* 1980 With [[Lonnie Liston Smith]] on ''Love is the Answer''


===Songwriting and production===
===Songwriting and production===
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|Clay McMurray
|Clay McMurray
|-
|-
|"A Million to One"
|"[[A Million to One]]"
|[[Jermaine Jackson]]
|[[Jermaine Jackson]]
|1973
|1973
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|1975
|1975
|Jones, Sawyer
|Jones, Sawyer
|Mickey Buckins
|[[Mickey Buckins]]
|-
|-
|"Love Is Lovelier"
|"Love Is Lovelier"
Line 569: Line 571:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{imdb name|1808224}}
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6988837.stm Jones and Bolan, 5th photo]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6988837.stm Jones and Bolan, 5th photo]


Line 582: Line 585:
[[Category:American expatriates in England]]
[[Category:American expatriates in England]]
[[Category:Motown artists]]
[[Category:Motown artists]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Ohio]]
[[Category:Record producers from Ohio]]
[[Category:Record producers from Ohio]]
[[Category:Musicians from Cincinnati]]
[[Category:Singers from Cincinnati]]
[[Category:Northern soul musicians]]
[[Category:Northern soul musicians]]
[[Category:Singers from Ohio]]
[[Category:T. Rex (band) members]]
[[Category:T. Rex (band) members]]
[[Category:American women record producers]]
[[Category:American women record producers]]
[[Category:African-American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:African-American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Ohio]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Ohio]]

Latest revision as of 21:17, 29 August 2024

Not to be confused with the singer named Gloria Jones who was in the Jerry Garcia Band.

Gloria Jones
Jones in 2014
Jones in 2014
Background information
Birth nameGloria Richetta Jones
Also known asLaVerne Ware
Born (1945-10-19) October 19, 1945 (age 79)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • tambourine
Years active1960–
Labels

Gloria Richetta Jones (born October 19, 1945) is an American singer and songwriter who first found success in the United Kingdom, being recognized there as "The Queen of Northern Soul".[1] She recorded the 1965 hit song "Tainted Love" and has worked in multiple genres as a Motown songwriter and recording artist, backing vocalist, and as a performer in musicals such as Hair. In the 1970s, she was a keyboardist and vocalist in Marc Bolan's glam rock band T. Rex. She and Bolan were also in a committed romantic relationship and had a son together.

Early life and career

[edit]

Jones was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Los Angeles, California, at the age of seven, where she first started singing. Jones' first taste of fame came at the age of 14, when, while still at school, she formed with Frankie Kahrl and Billy Preston the successful gospel group the COGIC Singers, with whom she recorded the album It's a Blessing. Although she remained with the group for some four years, she soon found herself drawn into the Los Angeles pop scene.

In 1964, Jones, in her late teens, was discovered by the songwriter Ed Cobb. Signing with Cobb's Greengrass Productions, she recorded her first hit record, "Heartbeat Pts 1 & 2," which Cobb wrote and produced.

She toured the United States, performing on several American television programs, footage of which still exists. One performance occurred at a Rock and Soul show in Disneyland in the summer of 1965. "Heartbeat" became a rhythm and blues tune which was recorded later by Dusty Springfield, Spencer Davis and many other artists.[2]

By then, Jones had recorded other songs for Uptown Records, a subsidiary of Capitol/EMI. Included among these was another Cobb-written song, "Tainted Love". So strong was Jones's following in Northern England that she was proclaimed "The Queen of Northern Soul".[1]

Jones also recorded an album for the Uptown label entitled Come Go with Me which was released in 1966. Jones studied piano, and acquired an advanced classical degree primarily in the works of Bach.[1]

In 1968, she joined the cast of Catch My Soul, a rock and soul version of the play Othello, which included cast members Jerry Lee Lewis, The Blossoms, and Dr. John. During the summer of 1968, she performed in a play called Revolution, at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. That winter, she joined the Los Angeles cast of Hair, the musical. Eventually, she was to meet Pam Sawyer, who asked her to write for Motown Records. Jones and Sawyer were amongst the second string of writers at Motown, but still wrote for such artists as Gladys Knight & the Pips, Commodores, The Four Tops and The Jackson 5.

As Jones was also initially a singer for the label, protocol demanded a pseudonym, so for some of her co-writes she used the name LaVerne Ware.[3]

Songs that Jones worked on during this period include The Supremes' "Have I Lost You" (writer), Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross's "My Mistake (Was to Love You)" (writer), Junior Walker's "I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" (writer/producer) and the Four Tops' "Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)" (writer). In 1970 she provided backing vocals on Ry Cooder's eponymous first album. The best-known song that Jones penned was Gladys Knight and the Pips' "If I Were Your Woman", which was nominated for a Grammy in 1971. Jones left Motown at the end of 1973, following the release of her album Share My Love.

After Motown

[edit]
Jones performing with T. Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow, Scotland

Jones first met Marc Bolan of T. Rex in 1969 while performing in Hair (Los Angeles cast). While touring in Europe, Bolan and Jones met for the second time at the Speakeasy in London. In 1972, she was recommended by Warner Brothers' Bob Regehr to sing backing vocals behind T. Rex at Winterland in San Francisco.

Soon after joining T. Rex, Jones and Bolan became romantically involved. They had a son, Rolan Bolan (b. September 26, 1975). She sang backing vocals and played clavinet with T. Rex from 1973 to 1977. Her rendition of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" appears as a bonus track on T. Rex's album Bolan's Zip Gun. Jones released an album in 1976, called Vixen, which featured several songs written by Bolan, and he also was the producer for the album.[citation needed]

In 1977, Jones worked with the group Gonzalez, producing several of their singles, and also penning the disco hit, "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" for the group. She toured the UK with Gonzalez, first on the Bob Marley tour, and then with Osibisa.[citation needed]

Automobile accident

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She was the driver of the car, a Mini 1275 GT, that struck a tree near Barnes Common, killing Bolan at 4 a.m. on September 16, 1977, on the way back to Bolan's Richmond property. They had been returning from an evening at a restaurant in Mayfair where they had both been drinking wine.[4] Jones was found by her brother Richard with her foot trapped beneath the clutch by the engine. Bolan was found unconscious in the passenger seat, which had been dislodged and landed in the rear of the vehicle. Jones was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Bolan was not wearing a seat belt. Jones was conscious after the crash. Bolan, who was a passenger in the car that slammed into the tree, was pronounced dead at the scene on the arrival of paramedics.[5] Jones survived the crash but was critically injured. She sustained a broken jaw in the crash and was sent directly to the hospital in London for treatment, fighting for her life while in critical condition.[5][4] When she recovered sufficiently to leave hospital, she was informed that Bolan's fans had looted most of their possessions from their house.[4] She was later scheduled to appear in court in London on charges of being unfit to drive and of driving a car in a dangerous condition. However, she left the UK with her son and returned to the US before the court date, so the Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.[4]

After Bolan

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Jones with her son Rolan in 2014

Having lost her possessions, Jones moved with her son back to Los Angeles, where they stayed with Jones's family.[citation needed]

In 1978, she released the album Windstorm, which she dedicated to the memory of Bolan: the back cover reads, "Special dedication in memory of my son's father, Marc Bolan, whom we miss very much." Her single "Bring on the Love" was a success on the American R&B chart.

Jones stayed in the music industry for several years after, releasing an album produced by Ed Cobb, titled Reunited in 1981. She also collaborated again with Billy Preston and other Cogic Singers for a 1984 reunion album The Cogic's. She has since worked as a musical supervisor for films.

On her 1982 album Reunited, she was proclaimed "Northern Queen of Soul".[6]

In 2010, together with her son Rolan, she established the Marc Bolan School of Music & Film in Makeni, Sierra Leone.

Discography

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Solo studio albums

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With T. Rex

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With The COGIC'S

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  • 1966 – It's a Blessing
  • 1984 – The COGIC'S

US solo singles

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Year A-side/B-side Catalog no.
1964 "My Bad Boy's Coming Home" / "Tainted Love" Champion 14003
1965 "Heartbeat (Part 1)" / Heartbeat (Part 2)" Uptown 712
1966 "Finders Keepers" / "Run One Flight of Stairs" Uptown 724
1966 "Come Go with Me" / "How Do You Tell an Angel" Uptown 732
1968 "I Know" / "What About You" Minit 32046
1969 "Look What You Started" / "When He Touches Me" Minit 32051
1973 "Why Can't You Be Mine" / "Baby Don't Cha Know (I'm Bleeding for You)" Motown 1256
1978 "Bring on the Love" (Single Version) / "Cry Baby" Capitol 4563
1978 "Bring on the Love" (Album Version) / "Bring on the Love" Capitol 12" 4563
1978 "Woman Is a Woman" / "Blue Light Microphone" Capitol 4662
1979 "When I Was a Little Girl" / "When I Was a Little Girl"(Inst) Capitol 4762
1982 "My Bad Boy's Coming Home" / "We Gotta All Get Together" AVI 187
1982 "My Bad Boy's Coming Home" / "Tainted Love" AVI 338

UK solo singles (selection)

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  • 1973 – "Tin Can People" / "So Tired"
  • 1976 – "Get It On (Part 1)" / "Get It On (Part 2)"
  • 1976 – "I Ain't Going Nowhere" / "Simplicity Blues"
  • 1976 – "Tainted Love" (New Version) / "Go Now" (Album Version) (12" – MAXI)
  • 1977 – "To Know You Is to Love You" / "City Port" (with Marc Bolan)
  • 1977 – "Go Now" (Single Version) / "Drive Me Crazy (Disco Lady)"
  • 1977 – "Bring on the Love" (Single Version) / "Cry Baby"
  • 1977 – "Bring on the Love" (Album Version) / "Bring on the Love" (Instrumental)
  • 1978 – "When I Was a Little Girl" /"When I Was a Little Girl" (Instrumental)
  • 1978 – "Windstorm" / "Blue Light Microphone"
  • 1979 – "Listen to Me" / "Father I'm Coming Home" (From the v/a Double Album Alpha Omega)

Backing vocal work

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Songwriting and production

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Song Artist Date Writer(s) Producer
"Bad Seed" Chris Clark 1969 Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer Deke Richards
"Black Mail" David Ruffin 1969 Jones, Sawyer Henry Cosby
"Teenage Symphony" Jackson 5 1973 (issued 1986) Gloria Jones, Hal Davis, Marilyn McLeod Hal Davis
"I Ain't Goin' Nowhere" Junior Walker & The All Stars 1977 Jones, Sawyer Jones, Sawyer, Junior Walker
"If I Can't Love You Then I Can't Love Me" Eddie Kendricks 197- Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones
"Nothing Is Real" Eddie Kendricks 197- Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones
"Piece of Clay" Marvin Gaye 197- Gloria Jones Gloria Jones
"My Love Is Yours" The Sisters Love 1973 Gloria Jones, Josef Powell Gloria Jones, Willie Hutch
"You've Got My Mind" The Sisters Love 1972 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"When My Love Hand Comes Down" David & Jimmy Ruffin 1970 Jones, Sawyer Bobby Taylor
"Your Love Was Worth Waiting For" David & Jimmy Ruffin 1970 Jones, Sawyer Bobby Taylor
"Black Mail" Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers 1970 Jones, Sawyer Henry Cosby
"Christmas Won't Be the Same This Year" Jackson 5 1970 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis
"2-4-6-8" Jackson 5 1970 Jones, Sawyer The Corporation
"If I Were Your Woman" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1970 Jones, Sawyer, Clay McMurray Clay McMurray
"Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)" Four Tops 1970 Jones, Sawyer Frank Wilson
"Earthquake" Martha Reeves & The Vandellas 1970 Jones, Sawyer, Johnny Bristol Johnny Bristol
"Let's Go Back to Day One" Eddie Kendricks 1971 Gloria Jones, Patrice Holloway Frank Wilson
"Take Me Girl, I'm Ready" Rahsaan Roland Kirk 1971 Jones, Sawyer, Johnny Bristol Joel Dorn
"Have I Lost You" The Supremes 1971 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones
"I Ain't That Easy to Lose" The Supremes 1971 Jones, Sawyer Clay McMurray
"Don't Tell Me I'm Crazy" Edwin Starr & The Fantastic Four 1972 Jones, Sawyer Terry Johnson
"I Don't Need No Reason" Junior Walker & The All Stars 1973 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis
"I Don't Need No Reason" The Miracles 1973 Jones, Sawyer Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston
"Take Me Girl, I'm Ready" Junior Walker & The All Stars 1973 Jones, Sawyer, Johnny Bristol Johnny Bristol
"I'm Learning to Trust My Man" The Sisters Love 1973 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis
"Where Do You Go (Baby)" Eddie Kendricks 1973 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"There's a Lesson to Be Learned" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1973 Jones, Sawyer Clay McMurray
"A Million to One" Jermaine Jackson 1973 Phil Medley Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"Give Me Your Love" The Sisters Love 1973 Curtis Mayfield Gloria Jones
"(I Could Never Make) A Better Man Than You" The Sisters Love 1973 Gloria Jones, Janie Bradford Gloria Jones
"Master of My Mind" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1974 Jones, Sawyer, Clay McMurray Clay McMurray
"It's Too Late To Change The Time" Jackson 5 1974 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis
"Do It Again" New Birth 1974 Jones, Sawyer Harvey Fuqua
"The Assembly Line" The Commodores 1974 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"The Zoo (The Human Zoo)" The Commodores 1974 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"My Mistake (Was to Love You)" Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye 1974 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis
"Let's Go Back to Day One" Mahogany Soundtrack 1975 Gloria Jones, Patrice Holloway Gil Askey
"No One Could Love You More" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1975 Jones, Sawyer Johnny Bristol
"All We Need Is a Miracle" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1975 Jones, Sawyer Bobby Taylor
"Don't Tell Me I'm Crazy" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1975 Jones, Sawyer Bobby Taylor
"I Hate Myself for Loving You" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1975 Jones, Sawyer Bobby Taylor
"It's Bad for Me to See You" Yvonne Fair 1975 Jones, Sawyer Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
"I Ain't That Easy to Lose" Bettye Swann 1975 Jones, Sawyer Mickey Buckins
"Love Is Lovelier" Walter Jackson 1976 Jones, Sawyer Carl Davis
"I've Got It Bad Feelin' Good" Walter Jackson 1976 Jones, Sawyer Carl Davis
"If I Ever Lose This Heaven" G.C. Cameron 1976 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis, James Carmichael, Winston Monseque
"Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" Gonzalez 1976 Gloria Jones Gloria Jones, Richard Jones
"Rockin' on My Porch" The Jackson Sisters 1976 Jones, Sawyer Albert Hammond, Don Altfel
"Sweet Beginnings" Marlena Shaw 1977 Gloria Jones, John Bettis Bert DeCoteaux
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" Gonzalez 1977 Elliot Lurie Gloria Jones
"Just Let It Lay" Gonzalez 1977 Gloria Jones Gloria Jones
"Share My Love" Rare Earth 1977 Gloria Jones, Janie Bradford Cal Harris
"Tin Can People" Rare Earth 1977 Gloria Jones, Beverly Gardner Cal Harris
"You" Billy Preston 1979 Gloria Jones, Richard Jones Billy Preston
"One Day I'll Marry You" Jackson 5 1979 Jones, Sawyer Hal Davis

Filmography

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Year Film Role
2012 Jobriath A.D. Herself
2013 20 Feet from Stardom Herself

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Brown, Lynne (1976). "Gloria Jones Biography", EMI Records Press Office, 1.
  2. ^ Kit O'Toole (May 26, 2015). "DeepSoul: Gloria Jones - "Tainted Love"". Blinded by Sound. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  3. ^ Betts, Graham (2014). Motown Encyclopedia. AC Publishing; ISBN 9781311441546
  4. ^ a b c d "1977: T-Rex singer killed in car smash". BBC. September 16, 2005. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Marc Bolan - Rise and Fall of a Twentieth Century Superstar Mark Paytress, Omnibus Press 2005
  6. ^ Reunited, Producers Workshop, 1982

Bibliography

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