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Maxine Jones (born January 16, 1962[1][a]) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman, best known as a founding member of the R&B-pop group En Vogue, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.[2] She sang lead vocals on the group's signature singles "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and "Don't Let Go (Love)", both of which garnered international success and sold over a million copies. Throughout her career, Jones has sold over 20 million records with En Vogue. Her work has earned her several awards and nominations, including two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, four MTV Video Music Awards, and four Soul Train Music Awards.

Biography

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Early life

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Born in Paterson, New Jersey, her mother died when she was 5 years old, and Jones moved to Oakland, California with her three sisters at 15 years old. Before her career, she was a hair salon worker.[3]

1989–2011: En Vogue

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Main article: En Vogue
Jones (second from the left) performing with En Vogue during their reunion tour, 2009

In 1988, Jones was chosen along with Dawn Robinson and Cindy Herron to be in a three-woman girl group by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. After adding Terry Ellis to the line-up, the group became a quartet and chose the name En Vogue.[4] They began recording their debut album in 1989 and finished in 1990.[5] In 1990, En Vogue released their first single "Hold On", which became a number one single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[6] Later that year, the group released their debut album Born to Sing, which sold a million copies the United States.[7]

The group released their second album Funky Divas in 1992, which sold over 3.5 million copies in the United States.[7] The album's lead single "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", which features Jones on lead vocals, peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B chart.[6] "Give It Up, Turn It Loose", lead completely by Jones, was released as the album's fourth single. The song peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard's Hot 100,[6] and received a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at 36th Annual Grammy Awards.[8] Jones also shares lead vocals on one of the album's top-charting singles "Free Your Mind". "Free Your Mind" won two MTV Video Music Awards, for "Best R&B Video" and "Best Dance Video". En Vogue released an EP in the fall of 1993, entitled Runaway Love. The lead single "Whatta Man", featuring co-lead vocals by Jones and a collaboration with Salt-N-Pepa, peaked in the top-ten on the Billboard charts and sold over a million copies.[6][7] In 1995, En Vogue was featured on the single "Freedom (Theme from Panther)".

In 1996, En Vogue released "Don't Let Go (Love)" with Jones singing co-lead vocals of the song. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the motion picture Set It Off. Released in the autumn, it became the group's biggest hit to date going number one worldwide.[6] It also sold over 1.8 million copies worldwide and became certified platinum by the RIAA.[7] In response to the large commercial success of "Don't Let Go (Love)", the group steadfastly went to work on its third album. As the album was nearing completion, Robinson chose to leave the group in April 1997 after difficult contractual negotiations reached a stalemate. The ending result saw En Vogue re-recording their third album with Jones singing lead vocals on more of the songs. In June 1997, the group released their third studio album EV3, which went platinum.[7] In 2000, they released their fourth album, Masterpiece Theatre. The following year, Jones left En Vogue to focus on family and was replaced by Amanda Cole. After the release of En Vogue's fifth album, Jones returned to the group. In late 2004, Jones toured with En Vogue while Cindy was on maternity leave and continued to perform with En Vogue until April 2012.

On September 26, 2011, Ellis, Jones, and Herron released a single "I'll Cry Later" from their forthcoming album that was planned for a December release. Negotiations for the album release resulted in Jones leaving En Vogue, which was discussed with Robinson on Access Hollywood nearly a year later on October 17, 2012.[9]

2012–13: Heirs to the Throne and En Vogue to the Max

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In October 2012, Jones and Dawn Robinson appeared on Access Hollywood to announce they are forming a new girl group called Heirs to the Throne. The duo launched their website, Twitter, and Facebook for the new group. They also performed at several venues with Shaunté Usual as their third member. The following year, Robinson and Jones parted ways and Jones went on to form her own group called "En Vogue to the Max".[10][11][12] It was later announced that the former group mates Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis sued Jones for use of the En Vogue name and demanding one million dollars for damages. However, Ellis and Herron could not demonstrate harm done to the company from Jones' use of the name.[13] Robinson participated as a witness in the trial but ultimately stated that she was not directly involved in the dispute, as she had surrendered her rights to use the name herself when she departed from the LLC years earlier. She also appeared as a judge in season two's Paramount Idol, alongside Bruce Flohr and Andy Waldeck.[14]

2014–2024: Solo career and The Funky Divas

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In 2014, Jones began recording her first solo album with producer DJ King Assassin entitled, To the Max.[15] Jones released a single "Didn't I" on May 15, 2014.[15] In 2015, Jones began her own radio show called "Max Radio".[16] In 2016, Jones went on tour for the stage-play "Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies!" by Teresa D. Ballard.[17] In March 2017, Jones announced the forthcoming release of her autobiographical self-help book "A Smart Girls Guide to Girl Groups" in the summer through Welstar Publications, LLC.[18] In June 2017, Jones released a cover version of "Don't Let Go (Love)" as a duet with Australian singer Greg Gould.

In October 2019, Jones reunited with En Vogue for an on-stage performance to salute music industry executive Sylvia Rhone at the City of Hope Gala 2019. This marked the first time all five members performed together.[19] In late 2019, Jones and Dawn Robinson toured under the group name The Funky Divas but later disbanded in 2020. In November 2022, Jones released a single titled "Not Your Freak" featuring Big Freedia.[20] In February 2024, Jones released a cover version of "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)".

2025–present: Return to En Vogue

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In February 2025, Jones rejoined En Vogue.[21]

Artistry

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Voice and songwriting

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Maxine's vocal range spans three octaves and two notes. She is a classically trained soprano. As a member of En Vogue, Jones was often credited for harmonizing the low parts of their songs. Her lowest note was recorded on the song "Love Won't Take Me Out" wherein she sang a G♯2. Her highest note was recorded on Silent Night (Happy Holiday Mix)", whereas she sang a B5 note. Jones often took on heavy songwriting in the group. She also sang lead vocals on their biggest hits including: "Whatta Man", "Don't Let Go (Love)", "Give It Up, Turn It Loose", and their signature song "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)".

Influences

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Jones names Chaka Khan as her major musical influence. Her musical influences also include Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle.[22] Jones' style is rooted in R&B and classic soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats by Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy.

Discography

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See also: En Vogue discography

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Notes
1995 Batman Forever Girl on the corner No. 1 / prostitute Cameo appearance

TV appearances

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Year Title Role Episode
1993 In Living Color Herself; cameo with En Vogue "Stacy Koon's Police Academy"
A Different World Charity "Mind Your Own Business"
Roc Jackie "Joey in Love"
"To Love and Die on Emerson Street: Part 1"
"To Love and Die on Emerson Street: Part 2"
2017 The Hills Waitress "Watergate"

Theatre appearances

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Year Title Role
2016 Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies! Ms. Fellows

Notes

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Maxine Jones

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from Grokipedia
Maxine Jones (born January 16, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop vocal group . Born in , Jones demonstrated early musical talent and joined in 1989 following an audition in , where she became one of the original quartet alongside , , and . Known for her rich, Motown-inspired voice and low harmony parts that contributed to the group's signature layered sound, Jones helped achieve massive commercial success, including multi-platinum albums like Born to Sing (1990) and (1992), which spawned hits such as "Hold On" (No. 2 on the ), "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" (No. 2), and "Don't Let Go (Love)" (No. 2). Over her tenure with the group, spanning multiple lineup changes, sold more than 20 million records worldwide and received Grammy nominations, with Jones playing a key role in their evolution from an R&B act to pop icons in the . She departed the group in 2001 amid internal shifts but rejoined multiple times, including a full reunion in 2025 for performances such as the halftime show, while pursuing solo endeavors, including the planned debut album To the Max and the single "Didn't I" (both 2014) and acting roles in films like (1995).

Early life and career beginnings

Childhood and family background

Maxine Jones was born on January 16, 1962, in , as the youngest of six children in her family. Tragedy struck early in her life when her mother died while Jones was just five years old. Following this loss, she was raised in a household shaped by her siblings, including an older sister, artist Rose Hill, who was 11 years her senior and part of a close-knit family dynamic. At age 15, Jones relocated to , to live with her three older sisters, marking a significant shift from her East Coast roots to the diverse urban landscape of the Bay Area. This move during her formative teenage years provided new opportunities and exposures that influenced her personal development.

Education and early professional pursuits

Jones received family encouragement for her vocal abilities from childhood. Before joining En Vogue, Jones worked various jobs, including as a secretary at a . Jones later ran a general goods business with her sisters.

En Vogue era

Formation and rise to fame (1989–1996)

was formed in , in 1989 by songwriting-production duo Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, who sought to create a contemporary blending sophisticated harmonies with influences. The original lineup consisted of vocalists , , , and Maxine Jones, selected through auditions after the producers had initially worked with Herron on a demo project. Jones, known for her rich providing the foundational low harmonies, contributed to the group's signature four-part vocal arrangements from the outset. The group's debut album, Born to Sing, was released on April 3, 1990, by , showcasing their vocal prowess on tracks emphasizing empowerment and relationships. Produced primarily by Foster and McElroy, the album peaked at No. 21 on the and No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States. "Hold On," an uplifting anthem against teen pregnancy, reached No. 2 on the and No. 1 on the chart, marking En Vogue's breakthrough and highlighting Jones's anchoring in the layered choruses. Follow-up singles "Lies" and "You Don't Have to Worry" both topped the R&B chart, solidifying their reputation for intricate, a cappella-infused performances. Building on their momentum, released their sophomore album on March 24, 1992, via EastWest Records, which expanded their sound with funk and hip-hop elements while maintaining vocal-centric tracks. The album debuted at No. 8 on the and was certified triple platinum in the , selling over three million copies domestically and contributing to the group's total sales surpassing five million units by the mid-1990s. Standout single "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" peaked at No. 2 on the and No. 1 on the R&B chart, earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the in 1993; the album itself received further Grammy nods, including for Best , Short Form. That year, also won the Video Music Award for Best Choreography in a Video for "Free Your Mind," underscoring their rising stardom amid a string of hits like "Give It Up, Turn It Loose." Jones's lines remained to the harmonies, adding depth to the group's dynamic interplay. As dominated charts, began recording sessions for their third album, , in 1996, with Jones's low-end vocal contributions enhancing the evolving harmonies during pre-release production. This period capped the original quartet's peak, with the group amassing over five million album sales worldwide by 1996 and establishing themselves as R&B innovators through Grammy nods and recognition. Jones continued as part of the trio after Dawn Robinson's departure, providing key harmonies on the album.

Challenges and lineup changes (1997–2011)

Following Dawn Robinson's departure in 1997, just before the release of En Vogue's third studio album EV3, the group continued as a trio consisting of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones. The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA, but the loss of Robinson introduced internal tensions that would plague the group in the coming years. The trio's next project, Masterpiece Theatre (2000), released under , faced significant label issues including a haphazard marketing campaign that hampered its commercial viability. The album peaked at No. 34 on the and No. 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking a sharp decline from previous successes due to limited promotion and distribution challenges. In 2001, Jones exited the group for the first time to prioritize family commitments following the birth of her twins, leading to Cole's temporary addition as a replacement for live performances and recordings. Cole's tenure lasted until 2003, when she departed to pursue solo opportunities. Jones briefly returned in 2003 for En Vogue's European , filling in while Herron took maternity leave; however, she left again in 2005 amid ongoing group instability. then joined permanently, stabilizing the lineup with Ellis and Herron. By 2009, escalating disputes over the group's name and legacy culminated in a filed by the active members against former members, including Robinson, reflecting deep-seated conflicts from years of lineup flux. Jones had no involvement in the group's performance at that year's , where Ellis, Herron, and Bennett took the stage alone, underscoring her detachment from the core unit during this turbulent era.

Brief returns and side projects (2012–2013)

In 2012, Maxine Jones reunited with former En Vogue bandmate to form the short-lived group Heirs to the Throne, announced during an October appearance on . The project aimed to recapture elements of their En Vogue sound but did not progress to releases or performances due to internal tensions and broader legal disputes over En Vogue's trademark rights held by remaining original members and . These conflicts, stemming from ongoing battles for control of the group's legacy, effectively halted further activity, though Jones and Robinson briefly explored additional collaborations before parting ways. Shifting to independent pursuits, Jones launched her own iteration of in early 2013 under the name En Vogue to the Max, touring with vocalists Alison Carney and Maria Freeman to perform classic hits. Though distribution was constrained by escalating lawsuits from Herron and , the courts ultimately ruled against Jones's use of the En Vogue moniker, leading to the project's dissolution by mid-2013 and reinforcing the era's theme of fragmented reunions. Throughout 2012 and 2013, Jones contributed guest background vocals to several local Bay Area artists' recordings, supporting emerging R&B and soul acts in the San Francisco region while prioritizing family commitments amid her group endeavors.

Departure and solo pursuits (2014–2024)

Following her departure from En Vogue amid ongoing group tensions, Maxine Jones focused on establishing an independent artistic identity, prioritizing personal projects outside the group's dynamics. In March 2014, she announced her exit to pursue a solo music career, marking a shift toward self-directed creative endeavors. Jones launched her solo recording efforts that year, collaborating with producer DJ King Assassin on material for a planned debut album, titled To the Max. She released the "Didn't I" on May 15, 2014, which showcased her signature range and received positive reception in R&B circles for its on love and resilience. The full album was not released. Building on this momentum, Jones issued a cover of En Vogue's hit "Don't Let Go (Love)" in June 2017 as a with Australian singer Greg Gould. The track, reimagined with a fresh arrangement, highlighted her enduring vocal prowess and received positive reception. Later releases included the 2021 EP , co-produced with Saint Jaimz, featuring original tracks like "Get Over Your Love" and "It's My Intuition" that explored and emotional . In 2023, she dropped the album Maximizing, including collaborations such as "Not Your Freak" with , further solidifying her solo catalog with jazz-infused R&B elements. Beyond music, Jones diversified into , launching a line of bath and skin care products in to reflect her interest in wellness and . This venture complemented her artistic pursuits, allowing her to build a centered on for women. She also maintained interests in her hometown of Oakland, investing in properties as part of her long-term financial strategy, though details remain private. In acting, Jones appeared in the MTV reality series The Hills as a waitress. These roles underscored her versatility, extending her En Vogue fame into narrative media. Throughout this period, Jones balanced her professional growth with family life, married to Michael Blackshear and raising three children, including twins born in 2000. This personal foundation provided stability, influencing the themes of and reflection in her solo work.

Reunion and current activities (2025–present)

In March 2025, Maxine Jones made a surprise return to during the at the in on March 4, where the group performed a medley of their classic hits including "Hold On" and "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" with elements of the original lineup featuring Jones alongside , , and . This performance marked the first full onstage reunion in over a decade and was met with widespread acclaim from fans and critics for recapturing the group's signature harmonies. Following the All-Star appearance, Jones officially rejoined as a permanent member of the lineup with Herron, , and Bennett, leading to a series of tours that revived the group's collaborative momentum. The group launched a European tour in June 2025, with stops in , the , the , and , followed by U.S. performances including their debut at the Hyatt Regency's Subaru Summer Concert Series in , on October 3, 2025, which highlighted their enduring appeal and marked their first major full-group tour since 2011. In May 2025, appeared on to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their debut album Born to Sing. Jones's solo endeavors in the preceding years, including operating her Starmax Studios and , served as a creative foundation that prepared her for this group revival. Based in , where she has long been rooted through her affiliations, Jones continues to engage in , supporting youth education programs and pro-equality initiatives, including receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Ally for Equality Award in 2022 for her advocacy work.

Artistic style and influences

Vocal technique and songwriting

Maxine Jones's vocal technique is distinguished by her range, which spans three octaves and two notes, delivering a rich, soulful that forms the foundation of En Vogue's layered harmonies. As a , she specialized in the low harmony parts, providing depth and stability to the group's intricate vocal blends during their rise in the . This approach contributed to En Vogue's reputation for sophisticated R&B arrangements, where Jones's grounded tones contrasted with the higher registers of her bandmates. Her technique evolved over time within , transitioning from primarily backup roles in early recordings to prominent leads on specific tracks. For instance, on the group's hip-hop-infused cover of from their 1990 debut album Born to Sing, Jones took on lead vocals, showcasing her versatility beyond harmonies. This progression highlighted her ability to adapt her soulful delivery to varied styles, from to retro reinterpretations. In songwriting, Jones earned co-writing credits on key En Vogue tracks, including the platinum-selling single "Hold On," which she co-authored with producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy and fellow members , , and . She also co-wrote the holiday song "This Christmas" for the group's 1992 album The Gift of Christmas, blending festive themes with R&B flair. Collaborations with producers like Babyface further emphasized her ad-lib style, as seen on the 1997 track "Whatever" from , where her spontaneous vocal flourishes added emotional intensity to the ballad.

Musical influences and evolution

Maxine Jones's musical style draws from a diverse array of genres she encountered growing up, including , R&B, , and rock & roll, which informed both her contributions to and her later solo endeavors. She has cited as her primary influence, alongside other iconic vocalists such as , , , and , whose emotive delivery and powerhouse ranges shaped her approach to R&B and . Jones's foundational style remains anchored in classic R&B and , with supplementary elements of and that add depth to her phrasing and tonal warmth. After relocating to , at age 15, Jones immersed herself in the Bay Area's vibrant R&B scene, where she auditioned for in 1989 and helped define the group's polished pop-R&B sound during the 1990s. This era saw her adapt to hip-hop-infused production techniques, evident in En Vogue's third album (1997), where tracks like "Hip Hop Lover" blended rhythmic rap elements with harmonious soul vocals to create a fusion style that reflected the period's urban music trends. In the 2010s, Jones transitioned to solo work, emphasizing creative autonomy while evolving toward more introspective R&B and expressions; her 2014 single "Didn't I," a incorporating pop and rock undertones, showcased this maturation, allowing her to revisit her core influences in a personal context. This shift marked a departure from the high-energy group dynamics of her years, prioritizing emotional narrative over ensemble-driven pop experimentation, as continued in her 2024 single "HERO."

Discography

En Vogue albums and singles

En Vogue, featuring Maxine Jones as a founding member and core vocalist, released four studio albums during her primary tenure with the group from to 2001, showcasing their signature blend of R&B, pop, and . These releases established the group as one of the most commercially successful female vocal ensembles of the era, with Jones contributing her distinctive harmonies and co-leads on several tracks, often anchoring the lower vocal ranges in their intricate arrangements. The group's albums and singles have sold over 20 million units worldwide, reflecting the group's broad appeal and vocal prowess. The debut album, Born to Sing (1990), marked En Vogue's breakthrough, certified by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States. Produced primarily by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, it featured Jones's co-writing credits on hits like "Hold On" and "Lies," where she provided foundational harmonies and shared leads, helping the album peak at No. 21 on the 200. Key singles included "Hold On," which reached No. 2 on the and topped the chart, earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal; "Lies" (No. 1 R&B); and "You Don't Have to Worry" (No. 1 R&B), all benefiting from Jones's rich, supportive vocals that enhanced the group's layered sound. Funky Divas (1992), their sophomore effort, achieved even greater success, certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA and selling over five million copies globally. With Jones delivering co-leads and her signature low-end harmonies on tracks like "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)," the album debuted at No. 8 on the and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Standout singles were "My Lovin'" (No. 2 Hot 100, No. 1 R&B), where Jones shared lead duties; "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (No. 1 R&B); and "Free Your Mind" (No. 8 Hot 100, No. 21 R&B), the latter promoting social tolerance through its . Jones also contributed to B-sides and live adaptations, adding depth to the group's dynamic performances. The third album, (1997), reunited the original lineup including Jones and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It peaked at No. 11 on the , blending with hip-hop influences, where Jones's vocals shone in emotional ballads and uptempo tracks. The "Don't Let Go (Love)" featured Jones on co-lead vocals and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100, becoming one of the group's biggest hits with over 1.8 million copies sold worldwide; other singles included "Whatever" (No. 19 R&B) and "Doesn't Everybody Want to Fall in Love" (No. 25 R&B), highlighting the quartet's harmonious interplay. Masterpiece Theatre (2000), the group's fourth studio album with Jones, explored theatrical and orchestral elements, peaking at No. 39 on the Billboard 200. Though it did not receive RIAA certification, it featured Jones's prominent harmonies on songs like "Riddle" and B-sides such as "Now She's Steady Callin'," maintaining the group's vocal sophistication amid lineup tensions.

Solo recordings and features

Following her departure from En Vogue in 2001, with periodic returns, Maxine Jones pursued independent music projects, beginning with the lead single "Didn't I," released on May 15, 2014, as part of her planned debut solo album To the Max, produced by DJ King Assassin. The track showcased her signature rich alto vocals in an R&B ballad style, though the full album was never released. In 2017, Jones collaborated with Australian singer Greg Gould on a duet cover of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go (Love)," reimagining the 1996 hit as a soulful ballad that peaked at number 5 on the Australian pop charts and amassed over 20 million views for its music video. The single highlighted Jones's emotive delivery alongside Gould's tenor, blending contemporary production with nostalgic elements. Jones expanded her solo output in 2021 with the EP Intuition, a three-track collaboration with producer Saint Jaimz, featuring the neo-soul tracks "Get Over Your Love," "It's My Intuition," and "Incontrollable." The project emphasized mature themes of self-empowerment and romance, with Jones providing lead and background vocals over smooth, groove-oriented instrumentation. That same year, she appeared as a featured vocalist on "You Can't Have It" from Herb Middleton's holiday album Every Day Is a Holiday, alongside Bliv Mash and William T. Starzz, delivering funky, upbeat harmonies in a track that fused R&B with festive vibes. In 2020, Jones contributed guest vocals to "Heatin Up the Holidays" on Big Freedia's Smokin' Santa Christmas EP, adding her warm alto to the bounce-infused holiday track for a celebratory, high-energy collaboration. Her most recent solo release came in 2024 with the single "," a heartfelt cover of Tina Turner's "We Don't Need Another " from the 1985 film , serving as a tribute to the late icon and demonstrating Jones's interpretive depth.

Filmography and other media

Film roles

Maxine Jones made her film debut in a cameo role with in the 1992 action sequel Aces: III, directed by John Glen, where the group performed a cover of ' "" during a sequence. This appearance highlighted the band's rising popularity in the early , integrating their vocal talents into the film's entertainment scenes. In 1995, Jones reprised her on-screen presence alongside in Joel Schumacher's superhero blockbuster , starring as Batman. The group appeared as "Girls on the Corner" in a brief street scene amid the Riddler's chaotic parade through , showcasing their synchronized performance style in a visually dynamic moment. Jones was specifically credited as "Girl on Corner #1." These early film credits were facilitated by En Vogue's burgeoning fame in the R&B and pop music scenes, which positioned the members for casting in projects featuring musical interludes or ensemble performances.

Television appearances

Maxine Jones first gained prominent television exposure as part of En Vogue's performance on Saturday Night Live on March 21, 1992, where the group, including Jones, sang "Free Your Mind" during the episode hosted by Mary Stuart Masterson. In 1997, Jones appeared with En Vogue in a guest role as themselves on the sitcom The Wayans Bros. in the episode "I Was En Vogue's Love Slave," which aired on November 12 as part of season 4; the plot involved Marlon Wayans fabricating a story about a romantic encounter with the group, leading to comedic repercussions. Jones participated in the 1998 television special Sesame Street: Elmopalooza!, performing educational songs with En Vogue, including the original track "I Want a Monster to Be My Friend," aimed at teaching children about friendship and imagination; the special celebrated Sesame Street's 30th anniversary and featured Jones alongside bandmates Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Rhona Bennett. In a solo acting role, Jones guest-starred as a waitress in an episode of the reality series The Hills in 2017, providing a minor but memorable supporting presence in the show's interpersonal drama. Jones reunited with for their debut appearance on on May 15, 2025, where the group discussed their career longevity, performed hits, and highlighted Jones's return to the lineup, marking an emotional milestone during the show's ongoing season.

Theater and live performances

In 2007, Jones took on the lead role of Deena Jones in a production of in , portraying the ambitious singer navigating fame and personal turmoil in the era. Her performance received praise for capturing the character's emotional depth and vocal power, drawing parallels to her own R&B journey. In 2016, Jones appeared as Ms. Fellows in the play Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies!. Jones's live performances with have been highlights of her career, starting with the 1992 Funky Divas Tour, which showcased the group's signature harmonies, elaborate choreography, and high-energy sets lasting up to 90 minutes, including hits like "Hold On" and "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)." The tour, supporting their platinum album , featured flashy costumes and talented dancing that captivated audiences across . A landmark moment came on February 16, 2025, during the halftime show at in , where Jones reunited with members , , and for a surprise performance, delivering a nostalgic rendition of "Free Your Mind" to a packed arena, marking her return after over a decade and reigniting fan excitement for the group. She has also performed at benefit concerts for music charities, contributing to community causes close to her heart.

Awards and recognition

Group awards with En Vogue

En Vogue, during the period of Maxine Jones's involvement as a founding member, garnered several prestigious group awards that highlighted their dominance in the R&B genre. In 1993, the group won the American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album for their sophomore release , recognizing their breakthrough success with hits like "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)." The following year, in 1994, received the American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group, affirming their status as leading vocal harmonizers in contemporary music. The group's innovative visuals and choreography also earned acclaim, as evidenced by their 1993 MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video for "Free Your Mind," a track that addressed social issues through its empowering message and was nominated in eight categories at the ceremony. At the Awards, secured three victories between 1991 and 1993, emphasizing their cultural impact within the Black music community. In 1991, they won Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Group, Band or Duo for their debut Born to Sing and Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single, Group, Band or Duo for "Hold On." By 1993, they claimed the Award for Entertainer of the Year, a special honor celebrating their overall contributions. These accolades underscored 's role in elevating R&B group dynamics during the early .

Individual honors and nominations

Jones shared in En Vogue's group nominations, including a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Don't Let Go (Love)" at the in 1997.

References

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  16. https://variety.com/1993/music/news/mtv-vid-awards-come-into-vogue-109043/
  17. https://www.furious.com/perfect/envogue.html
  18. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1997-07-26/
  19. https://albumism.com/features/en-vogue-masterpiece-theatre-turns-20-anniversary-retrospective
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/fifth-harmony-camila-cabello-pop-groups-without-founding-member-7625584/
  21. https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment/what-happened-to-the-fourth-member-of-en-vogue-all-you-need-to-know-the-vocal-group
  22. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/en-vogue-what-happened-r-431751/
  23. https://www.bet.com/article/7s9kd8/en-vogue-settles-lawsuit-over-name-use
  24. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/en-vogue/
  25. https://www.firstforwomen.com/entertainment/music/en-vogue-members
  26. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/4172
  27. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Bay-Area-musicians-E40-Too-Short-Green-Day-Journey-13783972.php
  28. https://youknowigotsoul.com/former-en-vogue-member-maxine-jones
  29. https://kids.kiddle.co/Maxine_Jones
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/10573124-Greg-Gould-2-Maxine-Jones-Dont-Let-Go-Love
  31. https://youknowigotsoul.com/maxine-jones-from-en-vogue-producer-saint-jaimz-release-intuition-ep
  32. https://maxinejones1.bandcamp.com/album/maximizing
  33. https://hyvesolutions.com/black-history-month-2024/
  34. https://www.abc4.com/business/press-releases/globenewswire/9388865/update-a-show-stopping-reunion-original-en-vogue-member-maxine-jones-reunites-with-group-reviving-classic-lineup-for-new-era/
  35. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/04/3036879/0/en/Update-A-Show-Stopping-Reunion-Original-En-Vogue-Member-Maxine-Jones-Reunites-With-Group-Reviving-Classic-Lineup-For-New-Era.html
  36. https://www.cultureoc.org/post/r-b-group-en-vogue-joins-subaru-summer-concert-series-lineup
  37. https://urbanbridgez.com/2025/05/15/en-vogue-appearing-today-on-the-jennifer-hudson-show/
  38. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/en-vogue-members-catch-original-114343037.html
  39. https://music.apple.com/us/song/boogie-woogie-bugle-boy/321976037
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/2321625-En-Vogue-Whatever
  41. https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2014/07/30/maxine-jones-formerly-of-en-vogue-heiress-to-the-throne/
  42. https://music.apple.com/ca/song/hip-hop-lover/414127603
  43. https://albumism.com/features/en-vogue-ev3-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective
  44. https://news.theurbanmusicscene.com/2024/01/maxine-jones-to-release-new-track-hero/
  45. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/en-vogue-funky-divas-riaa-3x-multi-platinum-album-award
  46. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/en-vogue-ev3-riaa-platinum-album-award-1
  47. https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2017/06/26/greg-gould-dont-let-go-love-feat-maxine-jones/
  48. https://soulstrutter.blogspot.com/2021/08/saint-jaimz-feat-maxine-jones-2021.html
  49. https://music.apple.com/us/song/1597891582
  50. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/maxine-jones/281621118
  51. https://music.apple.com/us/album/hero-single/1728011128
  52. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1622923/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0744542/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167922/
  55. https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2025/05/12/en-vogue-strikes-a-power-chord-on-the-jennifer-hudson-show-a-legendary-first-for-the-iconic-supergroup/
  56. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1992/10/07/en-vogues-show-new-band-big-hits/62479980007/
  57. https://thatgrapejuice.net/2025/02/en-vogue-star-maxine-jones-rejoins-the-group-for-epic-2025-nba-star-performance/
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hjQueo8-os
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JYe5zIqwVg
  60. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-22-ca-15458-story.html
  61. https://www.facebook.com/BET/videos/en-vogue-wins-best-rburban-contemporary-album-soul-train-awards/1839948706196595/
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGXn_U1l-GQ
  63. https://grammy.com/artists/maxine-jones/13673
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