Brenda Jones Tribute

We are sad to report the passing of our friend Brenda Jones.
It was reported on her sister's Facebook wall that she had been hit by a car.
According to her sister, Shirley Jones, the singer was struck on Monday, April 3, by several cars while attempting to cross the street while visiting her daughter in Wilmington, Delaware.

Our friendship began when it was reported back in July 2013, that she was homeless. We started a campaign through our DiscoSoulGold page on Facebook for help. Help arrived and she was moved from a shelter to a hotel and then later to a new home with her daughter and Granddaughter.

I only spoke to her last weekend, we spoke about what she was up to, Grandchildren, going back on stage, to even going back to recording. She loved her fans, stage and the artists she worked with had lots of lovely memories to talk about.

                               (Brenda Jones interview with Solar Radio's Gary Spence )

As part of The Jones Girls, Brenda sang the lead vocals on many of their classic's including This Feelings Killing Me, You Made Me Love You, You're Gonna Make Me Love, Life Goes On, We're A Melody, I'm at your Mercy, Dance Turned Into a Romance, I Close My Eyes, When I'm Gone, ASAP, Lets Be Friends First, What a Fool, I Can Make A Difference, Why You Wanna do That To Me, AH AH AH AH, plus the co-Lead on 'Nights over Egypt among others..

The list of artists the Jones Girls have sung with is like a who's who is Soul music, but these are a few examples Isaac Hayes, Lou Rawls, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Linda Clifford, The Four Tops.

Their performances with Diana Ross opened many doors for the girls. Ross gave them a brief interlude in her show where they would sing "If I Ever Lose This Heaven," a song popularized by Quincy Jones. Kenny Gamble of Philadelphia International Records and singer Patti LaBelle were in the audience during a Philadelphia performance, and after the show, Ross introduced them to The Jones Girls; the group signed with Philadelphia International in early 1979 and the rest they say is history.

Brenda Jonesgirl had spent a lot of time concentrating on her family life. Brenda's last release was “What Your Love Has Done” which was originally written, produced and arranged by Dewey Andrew in 2007 and co-produced by the late George Mena with additional melodies and arrangements that were co-produced by Brenda JonesGirl. The song was left in the can after the sad loss of George Mena, until 2013 when Dewey Andrew decided this needed to be released, so Brenda Jonesgirl went back in the recording studio to add some extra vocal touches with Dewey in the production chair once again, giving the song that magical touch, that chart in the UK Soul charts reaching #1 in many of them. Unfortunately this was Brenda's only solo release.

Her dream was to go back on the stage, but due to life's obstacles and her circumstance it was not meant to be. She would say to me 'God Has It' She used to say Fasho! I never could say it as she wanted me to.

It's no secret that she did not get on with her sister Shirley, but i'm pleased to say that due to the Sister Sledge family despute, they did make up and talked about touring again as The Jones Girls.

May she forever rest in peace, with her sister Valorie and her Mum. We are Gonna miss you Brenda.

LISTEN HERE TO A RADIO TRIBUTE WITH UNRELEASED TRACKS 

R.I.P Brenda Jones of The Jones Girls (7th December 1955- 3rd April 2017) 

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes with David Ebo

David Ebo (9 Nov 1950- November 30, 1930) had the hard job in 1975 to replace the great Teddy Pendergrass as lead singer of, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The group signed to ABC records and got off to a good start in 1977 with the gold single,'' Reaching For The World'' from the US R&B top 20 album of the same name.

David Ebo was a school class mate of Teddy Pendergrass, who was just starting his career with Philadelphia International records. Later on the same year , the group released their second album for ABC records called, '' Now Is The Time'' the album was a disappointment as far as sales were concerned , it only climbed to the lower regions of the US R&B Chart. The album did included this, Jerome Jones written gem called, ''Feels Like Magic''. The album was produced by Harold Melvin and
seems like it was overlooked missed at the time. 

In 1986 David Ebo did release his only solo album called,'' I'd Rather Be My Myself '', which was also

the title cut of the album. The Album was arranged & produced by Allan Felder.

Three Degrees Fayette-Gone Too Soon

                                     

In Loving Memory of Fayette Regina Pinkney

(January 10, 1948 – June 27, 2009). She is best known as a member of the all girl group, The Three Degrees along with, Sheila Ferguson & Valerie Holiday in the classic line up.When Fayette Pinkney met Richard Barrett in the mid-1960s, she had no idea of the journey she would be taken on. Mr Barrett, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was looking for. A solo singer and member of the Valentines in the 1950s, he had himself enjoyed chart success. Moving on from that, he had managed and produced such acts as Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Little Antony and The Imperials and also the Chantels, who he had discovered in 1957 and worked with well into the 1960s. The Girl Group explosion was only just starting then. By the mid-60s, it had taken over - three, sexy black girls being the usual formula - one singing lead while the other two shimmied away in the background providing a few oohs and aahs. But Barrett wanted more - and knew he could get it. He wanted three soloists -each with their own talent and individuality, who together could harmonise and sing any tune he threw at them. This was his vision - this was The Three Degrees. With Fayette as the mainstay for couple of years and after a few other ladies came and went, by 1967 the Group was settled. To Faye's sweet soprano, Sheila Ferguson added her sexy velvet tones which were both complimented by Valerie Holiday's soulful earthiness. Three amazing singers who could hold their own as soloists, but whose amazing blend and harmony would eventually rock the World.

This line-up would remain together for 9 years, until Fayette decided to leave the Group, both for her own personal reasons and also to pursue her education. During that time and especially with the added help of legendary Philly Producers Gamble and Huff, Mr Barrett and the Ladies became a musical tour-de-force. From minor soul hits on the Roulette Label, notably their remake of the Chantels' "Maybe", to huge Worldwide smashes for Philadelphia International Records; Dirty Ol' Man, Year Of Decision, When Will I See You Again - the list goes on - more in England, Europe and Japan than in their native USA, they quickly became the most popular Girl Group of the era. Live Shows - with Barrett conducting and acting as Musical Director - sold out in minutes. Worldwide travel was the norm. But for Faye, enough was enough.

 

Fayette Pinkey Billie Holiday  solo  from Three Degrees - Live In Japan album

She left the group in the Summer of 1976, for her own reasons which right now, are really irrelevant. She missed her family, that was for sure. Her brother, Nathaniel has said that she had a much longer career once out of the spotlight .After leaving the group, Fayette was a project coordinator for Opportunities Industrialization Center in North Philadelphia from 1979 to 1983. Also, in early 1979, she recorded her only solo album, "One Degree" in London for Chopper Records. It is a collection of up-tempo numbers and ballads which perfectly showcased all her talents, from lead to harmony singing. It was produced by Keith Mansfield and Geoff Morrow and was a project that she and her many friends and fans were immensely proud of. In 1984, he said, she earned a master's degree in human services, which required no undergraduate degree, from Lincoln University. After working as a personnel coordinator, she was at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania from 1989 to 1994, first as an administrative assistant, then an education coordinator.Most recently, her brother said, she was an intake counselor for United Healthcare Services in Philadelphia, from 2001 to last month. She also continued to sing with her Church's Inspirational Choir and also with a unique Group called the Intermezzo Choir Ministry which gave her great joy and in her spare time worked as a Vocal Coach. She gave birth to a daughter, Ayana Alexandria in January 1994, but tragically lost her a few days later due to the mystery of SIDS. Fayette passed away on Saturday 27th June 2009 in Lansdale PA of acute respiratory failure. She was surrounded by family and friends. Fayette was all about PEOPLE. She loved them - and people adored her. Her warmth and genuine nature endeared her to everyone, fans, friends and family alike. Her eyes shone, her smile sparkled and anyone who knew her was blessed to have her in their lives.I know I was. She was my friend for 35 years - and I miss her dreadfully and always will. This quote from the lovely Lady sums it up completely - may she rest in everlasting peace. Heaven now has another Angel. God rest her Sweet Soul. "Yes, I do still love people and I love to make them smile. So many have been a blessing to me and I try hard to b a blessing to others. I've enjoyed being home and wouldn't trade my family for the world. This is quality of life. I have been through a lot but I know I am blessed." - Fayette Pinkney By Jeremy Levinson Posted with thanks to  . Precious Moments of Fayette, Sheila and Valerie - The Three Degrees Group!
Gary