Thelma Jones

about

b. Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.A. Thelma Jones comes from Fayetteville, North Carolina, with her musical roots steeped in gospel. She was introduced into the music industry by her husband James Hazley, who had a record company called Uptown Productions in New York. Her first recording came in 1967 with the single 'Never Leave Me' on Barry Records. The single fared well on the R & B charts, so Jones remained at the label until 1970. During those three years Thelma cut several sides for the label including the original version of 'The House That Jack Built', later recorded by Aretha Franklin. Whilst at Barry Records, Thelma began working in New York. At 20 years of age, she worked at the amateur talent show at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem as well as a showcase at Small's Paradise, also in Harlem. These were the first moves from gospel into secular performances by the singer. The success of 'Never Leave Me' led to her first major engagements at the Apollo, performing for one week and undertaking five or six shows per day. Acts that appeared on the bill included The O'Jays, The Vibrations, Gene Chandler, Howard Tate and Big Maybelle. These shows led to regular appearances at the venue moving on to larger venues such as the Shea Stadium alongside Kim Weston, Johnny Nash and James Brown. After leaving Barry Records in 1970, Thelma was recommended to Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records, Wexler being a friend of Barry Records owner, Hy Weiss. Jones moved to Atlantic w

top songs

albums

I Can’t Stand It b/w Only Yesterday

I won't give up my Man: The Old Town Single

Law Of Old

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Funk Soul Sisters

Thelma Jones

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All the Ladies Need Funk

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Funky16Corners Radio v.6 - Bold Soul Sisters

Second Chance (The Complete Barry and Columbia Recordings)

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Funky16Corners Mix v.3 - S.O.S. (Heart In Distress)

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I Can’t Stand It b/w Only Yesterday - Single

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Funky16Corners Radio v.50 - These Arms of Mine

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Eccentric Deep Soul

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