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Sharon Jones
Sharon Jones
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Key Information

Sharon Lafaye Jones (May 4, 1956 – November 18, 2016) was an American soul and funk singer. She was the lead singer of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, a soul and funk band based in Brooklyn, New York.[2] Jones experienced breakthrough success relatively late in life,[3] releasing her first record when she was 40 years old.[4] In 2014, Jones was nominated for her first Grammy, in the category Best R&B Album, for Give the People What They Want.[5][6]

Early life

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Jones was born in Augusta, Georgia,[7] the daughter of Ella Mae Price Jones[8] and Charlie Jones,[9] living in adjacent North Augusta, South Carolina.[10][11] Jones was the youngest of six children; her siblings are Dora, Charles, Ike, Willa and Henry.[12] Jones's mother raised her deceased sister's four children as well as her own. She moved the family to New York City when Sharon was a young child. As children, she and her brothers would often imitate the singing and dancing of James Brown.[13] Her mother happened to know Brown, who was also from Augusta.[13]

Jones grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.[2] In 1975, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn.[14][15] She attended Brooklyn College.[9]

Career

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Early career

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A regular gospel singer in church, during the early 1970s Jones often entered talent shows backed by local funk bands. Session work then continued with backing vocals, often credited to Lafaye Jones, but in the absence of any recording contract as a solo singer, she spent many years working as a corrections officer at Rikers Island and as an armored car guard for Wells Fargo, until receiving a mid-life career break in 1996 after she appeared on a session backing the soul and deep funk legend Lee Fields.[16]

The session was organized by Gabriel Roth and Philippe Lehman, then the owner of the now-defunct French record label Pure Records. Jones was the only one of three singers called to the session to show up. Having completed all the backing parts herself, Roth and Lehman were suitably impressed with her performance and recorded "Switchblade", a solo track with Jones. This track and "The Landlord" were included on the Soul Providers' album Soul Tequila, released by Lehman on Pure circa 1996. The Soul Providers—with members of the Brooklyn bands Antibalas and the Mighty Imperials—later formed the Dap-Kings, who became Jones's regular backing band.[17]

Lehman and Roth started a new label based in Brooklyn, Desco Records, now also defunct. Soul Tequila was re-released as Gimme the Paw, which omitted "The Landlord" but kept "Switchblade". Jones recorded and released three 45-rpm singles for Desco: "Damn It's Hot" part 1 backed by part 2, "Bump N Touch" part 1 backed by "Hook and Sling Meets the Funky Superfly" (a medley cover of tracks by Eddie Bo and Bobby Williams), and "You Better Think Twice" backed by "I Got the Feeling" (a James Brown cover). The singles gained some notice among 45 soul and funk collectors, particularly because in the early days of Desco Records some collectors may have believed them to be originals from the early seventies, as they were not dated. These singles were also released on a compilation CD, the Desco Funk 45' Collection, with tracks by various other artists in the Desco stable. Desco had established a firm reputation among enthusiasts. Desco continued to release 45-rpm singles and also released LPs by Lee Fields, the Sugarman 3, the Daktaris and the Mighty Imperials as well as a further compilation of funk 45s. The Mighty Imperials album was the last release on the Desco label, and Lehman and Roth parted ways in 2000. Lehman started another independent label, Soul Fire Records, now also defunct. Roth went on to start Daptone Records with the saxophonist Neal Sugarman of Sugarman 3.[18]

Daptone Records

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Launched on the back of the popularity of Desco Records, Daptone Records' first release was a full-length album by Sharon Jones. A new band, the Dap-Kings, was formed from the former members of the Soul Providers and the Mighty Imperials. Some of the musicians went on to record for Lehman's Soul Fire label, while some formed the Budos Band, an Afro-beat band. From the original Soul Providers, Roth (also known as Bosco Mann) on bass, guitarist and emcee Binky Griptite, percussionist Fernando Velez, trumpet player Anda Szilagyi and organist Earl Maxton were joined by original Mighty Imperials saxophonist Leon Michels and drummer Homer Steinweiss, plus Neal Sugarman from Sugarman 3, to form The Dap-Kings.[19]

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings were the headliner act at the 2013 Treefort Music Fest

In 2002, under the name Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, the group released the album Dap Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, for which they received immediate attention and acclaim from enthusiasts, DJs and collectors. With three more albums under their belt, Naturally (2005), 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) and I Learned the Hard Way (2010)[20] they are seen by many as the spearhead of a revival of soul and funk.[21]

In 2015, during an interview with Billboard about her Grammy nomination, Jones discussed her commitment to the Daptone Label, an independent company. She cited artistic freedom and the commitment to the band.[22]

Film

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Jones had a small part in the 2007 film The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker, in which she played Lila, a juke joint singer. Her performance of Lucille Bogan's "That's What My Baby Likes" is featured in the film, and additional covers by Jones of songs from the 1930s are included on the film's soundtrack.[23] In 2015, a documentary titled Miss Sharon Jones!, directed by Barbara Kopple, debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.[24]

Collaborations

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Influences

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Jones has sometimes been called, especially early in her late renaissance of a career, the Female James Brown.[13]

Amongst Jones' influences were James Brown, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Thom Bell, Otis Redding, Ike & Tina Turner, Marva Whitney and everyone from Motown. In addition, Jones also cited more recently known artists, such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Erykah Badu and Beyoncé.[31]

Personal life

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For several years she lived with her mother in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, New York.[2]

Health and death

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It was announced on June 3, 2013, that Jones had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer[32] and had undergone surgery, which forced her to postpone the release of the group's fifth album, Give the People What They Want.[33] The diagnosis was later changed to stage II pancreatic cancer, for which Jones had surgery on her liver and underwent chemotherapy.[34] The chemotherapy caused hair loss, and for a time she performed bald, refusing to wear wigs.[35][36]

During the screening of her documentary at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival,[37] Jones revealed that her cancer had returned,[38] and that she would be undergoing chemotherapy again.[39] She suffered a stroke while watching the 2016 United States presidential election results and another the following day.[40] Jones remained alert and lucid during the initial period of her hospital stay, claiming light-heartedly that the news of Donald Trump's victory was responsible for her stroke.[41][42]

Jones died on November 18, 2016, in Cooperstown, New York, aged 60. Her respective memorial services were held at Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Clinton Hill, New York on December 14, 2016 and Imperial Theatre in Augusta, Georgia three days later.[43]

Discography

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With the Dap-Kings

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As solo artist

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Singles

  • "Damn It's Hot" (Desco, 1996)[44][45]
  • "Bump N Touch Part 1" / "Hook N Sling Meets The Funky Superfly" (Desco, 1997)[45]
  • "You Better Think Twice" / "I Got The Feeling" (Desco, 1998)[45]

As featured artist

  • The Soul Providers featuring Lee Fields – "The Landlord" from Gimme The Paw ...And Eleven Other Funky Favorites (1997); vocals
  • Norma Jean Bell – "Yes I Am (I'm Gonna Get You)" from Come Into My Room (2001)
  • Greyboy – "Got To Be A Love," "Gotta' Stand For Something" & " Everyday Problem" from Soul Mosaic (Ubiquity, 2004)
  • Los Walkysons – "Do The Crank / I Idolize You" feat. Sharon Jones (2006)
  • They Might Be Giants – "Withered Hope" from The Else (2007)
  • Wax Tailor – "The Way We Lived" feat. Sharon Jones from Hope & Sorrow (Decon, 2007)
  • Greyboy – "Got To Be A Love" feat. Sharon Jones from 15 Years Of West Coast Cool (2008)
  • Lucky Peterson – "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" from Organ Soul Sessions: The Music Is The Magic (Universal Jazz France, 2009)
  • David Byrne & Fatboy Slim – "Dancing Together" from Here Lies Love (2010)
  • Booker T. Jones – "Representing Memphis" feat. Matt Berninger & Sharon Jones from The Road From Memphis (ANTI, 2011)
  • Steve Cropper – "Come On & Save Me" and "Messin' Up" feat. Sharon Jones from Dedicated: A Salute To The 5 Royales (429 Records, 2011)
  • Joe Jackson – "I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues / Do Nothin' 'Til You Hear From Me" from The Duke (Ear Music, 2012)
  • E.L. Fields Gospel Wonders – "Heaven Bound" (Daptone, 2017)

Other credits

  • Gangsters – Heat I (1981); backing vocals
  • Ivy – Ivy II (1986); vocals
  • Lee Fields – "Let Man Do What He Wana Do" / "Steamtrain" (Desco, 1996); backing vocals
  • TriSpirit – "Rejoice" feat. Tonni Smith (2003); backing vocals
  • New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble – Skaleidoscope (2005); vocals
  • Rufus Wainwright – "Release The Stars" from Release The Stars (Geffen, 2007); backing vocals
  • Lou ReedBerlin: Live At St. Ann's Warehouse (2008); backing vocals
  • Naomi Shelton and The Gospel Queens – What Have You Done, My Brother? (Daptone, 2009); backing vocals
  • The Gaslight Anthem – "Stray Paper" from Get Hurt (2014); backing vocals

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sharon Lafaye Jones (May 4, 1956 – November 18, 2016) was an American soul and funk singer best known as the lead vocalist of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, a band that spearheaded a revival of raw, authentic soul music in the early 21st century. Born the youngest of six children in Augusta, Georgia, Jones spent her early childhood there before moving with her family to North Augusta, South Carolina, and later to Brooklyn, New York, in 1960, where she was primarily raised. Growing up in a musical household, she sang gospel in church from a young age and drew inspiration from icons like James Brown, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin, which shaped her powerful, emotive vocal style. In the 1970s and 1980s, Jones performed with local funk and wedding bands while working day jobs, including as an armored car guard and a corrections officer at Rikers Island, facing repeated rejections in the music industry for being perceived as "too short, too old, too black, and too heavy." Her breakthrough came in 1996 at age 40, when she was discovered by Daptone Records co-founder Gabriel Roth and recorded her first lead vocal track, leading to the formation of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. The band's debut album, Dap Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (2002), marked the start of their rise, blending gritty R&B, , and with live instrumentation that evoked the Stax and eras. Subsequent releases like Naturally (2005), which supported 250 live shows, and 100 Days, 100 Nights (2007) solidified their influence, inspiring artists such as and contributing to a broader soul revival. Jones and the Dap-Kings toured extensively worldwide, collaborating with figures like Prince and , and she appeared in the film (2007). Their 2014 Give the People What They Want earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album, highlighting Jones's commanding stage presence and vocal prowess. Diagnosed with cancer in 2013, later determined to be stage II —Jones continued performing and recording, releasing the It's a Holiday Soul Party (2015) and her final studio effort, Soul of a Woman (2017, posthumous). She died on November 18, 2016, at age 60, leaving a legacy as a trailblazing force in modern .

Early life

Upbringing and family

Sharon Lafaye Jones was born on May 4, 1956, in , the youngest of six children to parents Ella Mae Price Jones, a factory worker, and Charlie Jones, from whom Ella Mae later separated due to abuse. The family soon moved across the state line to , where she spent her early childhood. Her siblings included brothers Charles, Ike, and Henry, who remained in Augusta, and sisters Willa and Dora, who moved north with her and their mother. The family later expanded when Ella Mae assumed responsibility for her deceased sister's children, making Sharon one of ten children under her mother's care. In 1959, at the age of three, Jones relocated with her mother and sisters Willa and Dora to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in , New York, as part of the Great Migration of seeking better opportunities in the North. The move was prompted by her mother's desire to escape an abusive relationship with Charlie Jones. The family settled on DeKalb Avenue, where Jones experienced an integrated urban environment, attending public schools and navigating the diverse cultural landscape of the area. Summers were spent visiting her father in Augusta, fostering a bicoastal childhood that bridged Southern roots and Northern life, until Charlie Jones passed away when Sharon was 12 years old. Raised under her mother's strict discipline in a close-knit household, Jones developed a confident and resourceful personality early on, exemplified by her initiative at age 12 in arranging her father's hospital transfer during his final illness. Family gatherings and church activities in both and Augusta exposed her to gospel traditions, with her siblings and parents encouraging communal singing that shaped her energetic and outspoken demeanor. This foundational environment in the American South and New York laid the groundwork for her later pursuits, transitioning into her formal education in .

Education and early employment

Sharon Jones graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in in 1975. She then briefly attended , enrolling for one semester while aspiring to a career amid the era of funk and disco, but dropped out due to financial constraints that required her to prioritize earning income for her family. To support her mother and siblings after leaving college, Jones took on physically demanding and often hazardous jobs in male-dominated fields, reflecting her resilience amid economic hardships and gender barriers. She worked as an armored car guard for , transporting cash through New York City's streets, and as a corrections officer at for 16 months, where she enforced rules in a high-security environment while occasionally for inmates to ease tensions. She also held security positions in office buildings, patrolling premises and managing access, often juggling multiple roles to cover living expenses in a Far Rockaway public housing project where she resided with her mother. These early employment experiences underscored Jones' determination in the face of limited opportunities for women in and during the late and , as she navigated workplace and physical demands typically reserved for men. Despite such challenges, her bold personality persisted, as seen in her refusal to conform to conventional expectations, helping her maintain a sense of self while providing essential support for her family.

Music career

Early musical work

Sharon Jones began her musical journey singing gospel in church choirs during her childhood, first in Augusta, Georgia, where she was born, and later in Brooklyn, New York, after her family relocated to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood when she was young. Summers spent back in Georgia reinforced this foundation, with family members encouraging her vocal talents despite the absence of any formal training. By her teenage years in the early 1970s, she was performing in local talent shows backed by funk bands and leading church choirs, including a mid-1970s recording with the E.L. Fields Gospel Wonders when she was about 17. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jones worked primarily as a session backing vocalist, contributing to recordings by artists such as Buster Poindexter and , while also performing with and wedding bands to make ends meet alongside non-musical jobs like security at . However, by the late , as she approached her 40s, Jones faced repeated audition rejections from record labels and groups, often attributed to her age and physical appearance, which did not align with industry preferences for younger, slimmer performers. Her breakthrough came in 1996 when she was discovered by Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Desco Records, while performing "Stand by Me" at a ; Roth invited her to record backing vocals for ' sessions, marking her entry into the label's raw soul and funk output. This led to her first singles as a lead artist on Desco, including "Damn It's Hot" in 1996 and "" in 1998, which showcased her powerful, gritty vocals and helped shift her from anonymous session work toward recognition as a commanding frontwoman.

Rise with Daptone Records

In 2000, Desco Records dissolved amid internal conflicts between co-founders Gabriel Roth and Phil Lehman, prompting Roth to launch Daptone Records in Brooklyn, New York, as a dedicated outlet for authentic soul and funk. Sharon Jones joined forces with Roth to front Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, recruiting core members from the Afrobeat ensemble Antibalas and the funk outfit the Mighty Imperials, which enabled a raw, analog recording approach using vintage equipment and live-to-tape sessions in Daptone's house studio to capture genuine 1960s-style soul production. The band's debut full-length album, Dap Dippin' (2002), marked Jones' emergence as a soul revival force, with standout tracks like "The Dap Dip" and "Got a Thing on My Mind" delivering gritty, horn-driven that contrasted sharply with the smoother nu-soul sounds popularized by artists such as and during the early 2000s. Critics praised the record's unpolished authenticity and Jones' commanding presence, hailing it as a pivotal release that revitalized traditional amid a trend toward polished R&B hybrids. Jones and the Dap-Kings followed with Naturally (2005), which deepened their signature interplay as Daptone's core , featuring potent cuts like "How Do I Let a Good Man Down?" that blended urgent ballads with explosive grooves to showcase Jones' versatile phrasing and the ensemble's seamless musicianship. The album reinforced the label's commitment to organic, band-centric , solidifying Jones' role as its leading voice through tracks that emphasized emotional depth over commercial sheen. Throughout the early 2000s, the group cultivated a grassroots following via extensive U.S. and international tours, where their live sets—fueled by Jones' improvisational flair, call-and-response vocals, and the Dap-Kings' dynamic rhythms—created electric, communal experiences that often outshone their recordings. Despite this momentum, Jones navigated hurdles as a performer in her mid-40s, confronting an industry that favored youthful images and pop appeal, yet her tenacity and stage charisma gradually shifted perceptions in the male- and youth-dominated revival scene.

Peak success and collaborations

Sharon Jones achieved significant commercial and critical breakthrough with her 2007 album 100 Days, 100 Nights, released on , which sold over 100,000 copies in the United States alone—a remarkable feat for an independent soul release. The title track became a standout hit, earning widespread radio play and praise for its raw, vintage soul energy, while the album as a whole received rave reviews for revitalizing classic R&B sounds. This success propelled Jones and the Dap-Kings on extensive tours, including European dates such as a performance at the Jazz Festival and a headlining run across the continent, alongside prominent U.S. festival appearances that elevated her visibility in the live music scene. During this period, Jones and her band engaged in high-profile collaborations that bridged indie soul with mainstream pop. The Dap-Kings provided instrumentation and backing for Amy Winehouse's breakthrough album (2006), including the hit single "Rehab," under arrangements by Daptone co-founder Gabriel Roth and producer . Jones herself contributed vocals to Rufus Wainwright's 2007 album , adding her powerful delivery to tracks that showcased her versatility beyond her core band work. Jones' 2010 album I Learned the Hard Way further solidified her reputation, generating considerable Grammy buzz for its sophisticated soul arrangements and themes exploring love, betrayal, and personal resilience, as highlighted in tracks like the title song. Critics praised its emotional depth and the band's tight musicianship, positioning it as a pinnacle of modern retro-soul. The culmination of this peak era came with Give the People What They Want, recorded in 2013 and released in 2014, which earned Jones her first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album at the . Standout tracks like "Retreat!" exemplified the album's urgent, horn-driven , while it achieved peak chart positions including No. 22 on U.S. charts and garnered extensive media coverage for its triumphant energy.

Later recordings

In the later stages of her career, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings focused on completing and promoting Give the People What They Want, which had been largely recorded in 2013 at Daptone's House of Soul Studios in before Jones's health challenges intensified. The sessions captured the band's signature raw and , with Jones laying down powerful vocal tracks that emphasized themes of resilience and directness, such as in the title track's call for unfiltered truth. Released on January 14, 2014, the album received a Grammy for Best R&B Album the following year, marking a capstone to her rising acclaim. Undeterred, Jones returned to the studio amid her treatments to record It's a Holiday Soul Party, released on October 30, 2015, via . This festive collection blended originals like the upbeat tribute "8 Days (Of )" and a gritty reinterpretation of "White Christmas" with classic covers such as "," all infused with the group's vintage Stax-inspired groove and Jones's commanding, emotive delivery. The project highlighted her commitment to joyful, authentic soul expression, even as she balanced recording with medical demands. Throughout 2015 and into 2016, Jones persisted with extensive touring alongside the Dap-Kings, delivering high-energy shows at venues and festivals including the , Halifax Jazz Festival, and European dates, where she often performed seated to manage her energy while preserving the band's dynamic interplay of horns, rhythm, and her impassioned vocals. The Dap-Kings provided steadfast studio and stage support, adapting arrangements to accommodate her needs while upholding the organic, live-wire authenticity that defined their sound.

Film and media

Acting roles

Her first credited acting role came in (2007), directed by , where she portrayed Lila, a church singer in a scene. In the film, Jones delivered a powerful performance of the song "That's What My Baby Likes," blending her soulful vocals with the character's emotional depth during a pivotal gathering of debaters and locals. The role highlighted her natural screen presence and ability to convey authenticity in period settings. In 2013, she appeared as a wedding singer in The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by . Throughout her acting career, Jones took on brief, character-driven parts that capitalized on her vocal abilities and charismatic demeanor, without any formal training in the craft. She approached these opportunities as natural extensions of her performative style, infusing each role with the same raw passion that defined her music.

Documentaries and appearances

The documentary Miss Sharon Jones! (2015), directed by two-time Academy Award winner , chronicles the singer's battle with and her determined comeback to the stage with the Dap-Kings. The film captures Jones undergoing chemotherapy while rehearsing for a triumphant performance at New York's Beacon Theatre, highlighting her unyielding spirit amid personal and professional challenges. It premiered at DOC NYC in November 2015 and received a in 2016, earning praise for its intimate portrayal of resilience in the face of illness. Jones appeared in several notable television performances that showcased her dynamic stage presence. She performed "100 Days, 100 Nights" and "I'm Not Gonna Cry" with the Dap-Kings on the BBC's in 2008, delivering raw soul energy that captivated audiences. In 2014, she returned to the show for "People Don't Get What They Deserve," further demonstrating her vocal power and band synergy. On in April 2010, Jones discussed her pre-music career as a corrections officer and armored car guard before performing a funky rendition of "I Learned the Hard Way," blending humor with her signature groove. Jones was the subject of in-depth media profiles that emphasized her authentic persona and contributions to . A New York Times feature described her as an "inexhaustibly energetic" force who rejected backup roles to lead with unfiltered passion, underscoring her self-made path in a male-dominated . Similarly, a 2014 profile followed her return to touring after health setbacks, capturing behind-the-scenes moments of her commanding rehearsals and live shows that reaffirmed her role as a soul revival pioneer. A 2016 interview delved into her stage-four cancer diagnosis, where she asserted, "I have cancer; cancer don't have me," reflecting her defiant optimism and commitment to performance. These documentaries and appearances collectively portray Jones as a resilient figure whose work not only revived raw and but also inspired viewers through her perseverance against adversity. Films like Miss Sharon Jones! underscore her influence in bridging vintage R&B with modern audiences, emphasizing themes of endurance and communal joy in music.

Musical style and influences

Key influences

Sharon Jones' soul and funk style was deeply shaped by iconic figures from mid-20th-century music. James Brown profoundly influenced her with his explosive energy and funk grooves; as a child in Augusta, Georgia—Brown's hometown—she vividly remembered watching him perform as if "floating" onstage, an image that captivated her early on. Aretha Franklin served as her primary vocal inspiration, admired for her commanding power and emotional intensity; Jones learned Franklin's gospel-infused songs like "Mary, Don't You Weep" while singing in church, drawing from that raw expressiveness. Sam Cooke contributed to her appreciation for smooth, heartfelt soul delivery, a quality evident in her phrasing and tone throughout her career. Her genre roots lay in the vibrant soul sounds of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the raw, horn-driven grooves of and the polished harmonies of , which she absorbed as a young listener born in 1956. Gospel music formed the foundation of her style, stemming from her church upbringing where she regularly performed, instilling a sense of spiritual fervor and vocal discipline that permeated her work. Jones' early exposure came through family radio sessions, where she and her siblings listened to artists like and , alongside Motown acts such as , fostering her love for dynamic R&B and soul. While firmly rooted in these classic traditions, she showed appreciation for modern interpreters like —whose 2006 album featured her band, the Dap-Kings—and , recognizing their revival of similar soul elements.

Vocal style and contributions

Sharon Jones was renowned for her powerful, gritty voice, which delivered raw emotional intensity across and genres. Her vocal , often described as earthy and raspy, evoked the unpolished fervor of classic R&B while maintaining a versatile range that spanned from deep, resonant lows to soaring highs. This gritty quality stemmed from her roots, allowing her to infuse performances with improvisational scatting and dynamic phrasing that built tension and release. Jones frequently employed call-and-response techniques, a staple of singing, to engage audiences and bandmates, creating an interactive, communal energy that mirrored the participatory spirit of mid-20th-century . Through her collaborations with , Jones made significant contributions to the soul revival movement, championing authentic analog recording in an era dominated by digital production. Her work emphasized tape-recorded warmth and live-in-the-studio fidelity, reviving the tactile essence of and soul while avoiding modern and overdubs. This approach bridged classic R&B traditions with contemporary audiences, introducing younger listeners to funk's rhythmic drive and emotional depth via Daptone's grassroots, vinyl-focused ethos. Jones's insistence on unfiltered expression helped legitimize retro-soul as a viable modern genre, influencing a wave of artists who prioritized substance over polish. Jones's impact extended to inspiring a new generation of female vocalists, particularly through her emphasis on live energy and unadorned authenticity over studio perfection. of has cited Jones as a personal hero, crediting her for embodying fearless, soul-baring performance. This focus on visceral, in-the-moment delivery reshaped perceptions of , encouraging artists to harness raw power and in live settings rather than relying on contrived production. Critics lauded this approach in reviews of her 2005 album Naturally, praising its "antique and authentic" sound as a vital counterpoint to contemporary R&B's gloss, with Jones's vocals standing out for their genuine, heartfelt conviction.

Personal life and health

Family and residence

Sharon Jones was the youngest of six children born to Ella Mae Price Jones and Charlie Jones in Augusta, Georgia. Her siblings included sisters Dora and Willa, and brothers Charles, Ike, and Henry. Jones shared a particularly close bond with her mother, who raised the family after relocating to New York to escape an abusive marriage. For much of her adult life, Jones lived with her mother in the Far Rockaway section of , New York, in a high-rise housing project, reflecting her commitment to family care amid her professional demands. In early 2011, she purchased a home in —her birthplace—and relocated her mother and sister Dora there to provide support in their later years. This move allowed Jones to maintain her familial responsibilities while continuing her music career from a rooted, hometown base. Jones never married and had no children, often describing her focus on music and supporting her family as central to her life, with personal relationships remaining secondary. Her siblings occasionally participated in family musical activities, echoing the household's early emphasis on and . Despite her growing fame, Jones preserved a modest lifestyle centered on these .

Illness and death

In June 2013, Sharon Jones was diagnosed with stage-one cancer, which was later reclassified as stage-two . She underwent invasive to remove the tumor from her , followed by a rigorous course of that lasted several months and caused significant physical strain, including and . By September 2015, during a screening of the documentary Miss Sharon Jones! at the Toronto International Film Festival, Jones announced that her cancer had returned and spread to her lungs and liver, advancing to stage four pancreatic cancer. Despite the severity, she resumed performing with the Dap-Kings later that year, though her health limited her mobility during shows. In her final months, Jones entered hospice care as the cancer progressed, suffering additional complications including two strokes that affected her ability to communicate. She continued to perform seated at select concerts into 2016, demonstrating her determination to maintain her musical career amid declining health. Jones died on November 18, 2016, at the age of 60, in a hospital in Cooperstown, New York. Following her death, the Dap-Kings issued a statement expressing profound sadness, noting that Jones had passed "after a heroic battle against " and was surrounded by loved ones, including band members. Memorial services and tribute concerts were organized shortly after, including events in and her hometown of , where performers honored her legacy through soul and funk performances.

Legacy

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Sharon Jones received several notable nominations and awards recognizing her contributions to and R&B music, particularly through her work with the Dap-Kings. In 2014, she earned her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for Give the People What They Want, highlighting the album's critical acclaim and her powerful vocal performances. Jones and the Dap-Kings were also honored at the annual , presented by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM). In 2014, they received a for Video of the Year for "Retreat!", directed by Lizzi Akana, acknowledging the innovative visuals accompanying the track from Give the People What They Want. The following year, in 2015, they won the Hardest-Working Artist of the Year award, sponsored by BMI, in recognition of their relentless touring and dedication to live performances during a period of intense activity despite Jones's health challenges. In the realm of film, the 2016 documentary Miss Sharon Jones!, directed by and chronicling Jones's battle with cancer and return to the stage, brought her additional acclaim. Jones was named one of the "Unforgettables"—an honorary distinction for standout documentary subjects—at the 10th Annual Cinema Eye Honors in 2017, celebrating her resilience and charisma as captured in the film.

Posthumous impact and tributes

Following Sharon Jones' death on November 18, 2016, her final studio album, Soul of a Woman, was released on November 17, 2017, by Daptone Records, featuring vocals she recorded in the months leading up to her passing despite her ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. The album blended powerful ballads with upbeat tracks reflective of her live performances, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and serving as a poignant capstone to her career. In 2020, Daptone issued the covers album Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In), which reimagined songs by artists like Bob Marley and Prince using Jones' pre-recorded vocals, highlighting her interpretive versatility and extending her musical footprint. Tributes to Jones emerged prominently in the music community shortly after her death, including a performance at the on February 12, 2017, where collaborated with her longtime backing band, the Dap-Kings, on a rendition of "All Around You," with presenter dedicating the moment to her legacy. The Dap-Kings continued performing in her honor, joining for a medley tribute on Starring on November 17, 2017, to celebrate Soul of a Woman, and maintaining a touring schedule that kept her soul-funk sound alive through subsequent years. Screenings of the 2015 documentary Miss Sharon Jones!, which chronicled her cancer diagnosis and resilience, persisted as tributes, with events like the November 2016 Hollywood screening—held shortly before her death—underscoring her enduring spirit. Jones' cultural impact rippled through the soul revival movement, with contemporary artists such as publicly mourning her as a "beautiful Black Queen." sustained her legacy by continuing to release material tied to her catalog, including the 20th-anniversary reissue of her 2005 album Naturally on May 2, 2025, which featured a bonus LP of previously unreleased instrumental versions, spotlighting the Dap-Kings' musicianship and reinforcing the label's role in preserving raw soul traditions. Her work has been retrospectively highlighted in soul revival discussions, positioning her as a pivotal figure in bridging classic R&B with modern interpretations. Broader recognition came through civic honors near her Georgia roots, such as the 2017 naming of the Imperial Theatre's stage in Augusta after her during a Rock & Soul Revue concert, and the 2020 dedication of the Riverside Village Amphitheater in adjacent , as the Sharon Jones Amphitheater, where she spent part of her childhood. These tributes, alongside ongoing Dap-Kings performances and releases, have cemented Jones' posthumous role as an icon of unyielding soul authenticity.

Discography

Studio albums

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings' debut studio album, Dap Dippin', was released in 2002 on , marking the label's inaugural full-length release. The album comprises 12 tracks, emphasizing a raw, gritty fusion of , , and gospel influences drawn from 1960s and 1970s styles. Key songs include "Got a Thing on My Mind" and covers like "What Have You Done for Me Lately?," showcasing Jones' powerful vocals over the band's tight instrumentation. The follow-up, Naturally, arrived in 2005, featuring 10 tracks that demonstrated expanded production values compared to the debut, with richer arrangements and collaborations such as guest vocals from on "Stranded in Your Love." Notable cuts include the instrumental "Your Thing Is a Drag," which highlights the band's funky grooves and became a standout track in live performances. The album further solidified the group's commitment to authentic soul revivalism. In 2007, 100 Days, 100 Nights was issued, comprising 10 tracks and achieving broader international recognition through the title track single, which earned acclaim across Europe and the United States for its classic Stax-inspired sound. Songs like "Tell Me" and "Be Easy" exemplify Jones' emotive delivery and the Dap-Kings' horn-driven energy. The 2010 release I Learned the Hard Way includes 12 tracks incorporating string arrangements for a more orchestral depth, blending doo-wop elements with soul ballads such as "The Reason" and the title song. Produced at Daptone's House of Soul Studios, it reflects the band's evolving sophistication while retaining raw emotional intensity. Give the People What They Want, released in 2014, features 10 tracks and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the . Standouts like "Stranger to My Happiness" and "Retreat!" capture Jones' commanding presence amid the band's dynamic rhythms. The seasonal effort It's a Soul Party followed in 2015 with 10 tracks blending original compositions and covers, including "8 Days (Of )" and a soulful take on "White Christmas." Recorded during Jones' , it infuses holiday cheer with the group's signature upbeat style. Jones' final studio album, the posthumously released Soul of a Woman in 2017, contains 10 tracks serving as an emotional capstone to her career, featuring lush orchestral arrangements on songs like "Matter of Time" and "Sail On!." Completed from sessions recorded before her death, it underscores her enduring vocal power and the Dap-Kings' supportive musicianship.

Singles and compilations

Sharon Jones began her recording career with a series of raw, funk-infused singles on the short-lived Desco Records label, which helped establish her as a potent soul voice in the late 1990s New York scene. Her debut single, "Damn It's Hot" (parts 1 and 2), released in 1996 and backed by the Providers, captured her commanding delivery over gritty instrumentation, drawing from classic Stax and influences. Subsequent Desco releases included "Bump N' Touch" (part 1 backed by "Hook and Sling Meets the Funky Superfly") in 1997 and "" backed by "" around 1998, the latter pairing a folk standard with an original R&B cut that highlighted her versatility. Transitioning to Daptone Records, Jones issued standout singles tied to her albums but often promoted independently as non-album-style releases. The title track "100 Days, 100 Nights" from her 2007 album served as a lead single, emphasizing themes of romantic endurance with orchestral swells and her impassioned phrasing, earning widespread radio play and critical praise for reviving authentic soul. In 2014, "Retreat!" from Give the People What They Want was released as a single with an animated music video directed by Lizzi Akana, depicting Jones as a fierce animated warrior; the video received a nomination for Video of the Year at the 2014 Libera Awards. The Dap-Kings provided instrumentation for Mark Ronson's 2007 album Version, with Jones providing vocals on the duet "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" with Charles Bradley, a cover that blended their voices in a playful Motown homage. Posthumously, Daptone continued releasing material from Jones' archives. "Sail On!" emerged as a single in 2017 from her final album Soul of a Woman, featuring uplifting gospel-funk with about perseverance; an accompanying using archival footage of Jones was unveiled in December 2017 as a . In 2020, the compilation Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In) was issued, collecting 13 unreleased covers recorded between 2007 and 2015, including takes on Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?", Bob Marley's "", and Kenny Rogers' title track, showcasing Jones' interpretive range across soul, , and pop standards. In 2025, a 20th anniversary edition of Naturally was released on May 2, featuring the remastered original 10 tracks alongside a bonus LP of versions, celebrating the album's enduring legacy. Beyond original releases, Jones appeared on various compilations and soundtracks that extended her reach into film and thematic collections. For the 2007 film , she contributed vocals to three tracks on the : "My Soul Is a Witness" with , "That's What My Baby Likes" alongside Hart and , and "Up Above My Head" with Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Faith, infusing the score with gospel-rooted energy fitting the movie's . Other compilation spots included non-album tracks on Daptone's singles series, such as "How Long Do I Have to Wait for You?" (2005), which appeared on broader retrospectives and helped bridge her early Desco sound to Daptone's fuller productions.
Notable SinglesYearLabelNotes
"Damn It's Hot" (parts 1 & 2)DescoDebut single with Soul Providers; raw funk showcase.
"Bump N' Touch" / "Hook and Sling Meets the Funky Superfly"1997DescoHigh-energy R&B hybrid.
"100 Days, 100 Nights"2007Daptone from album; romantic soul anthem.
"Retreat!"2014DaptoneAnimated video; Libera Award nominee for Video of the Year.
"Sail On!"2017DaptonePosthumous release from Soul of a Woman; tribute video.
Key Compilations & AppearancesYearLabel/DetailsNotes
Soundtrack2007Vocals on three gospel-soul tracks for Denzel Washington's film.
Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Was In)2020DaptonePosthumous covers collection; 13 unreleased tracks spanning genres.
Naturally (20th Anniversary Edition)2025DaptoneRemastered reissue with bonus instrumentals; 20 tracks total.

References

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