Maxine Jones

Maxine Jones
Born (1962-01-16) January 16, 1962
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Origin Oakland, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1989–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website twitter.com/MaxineJonesEV

Maxine Jones (born January 16, 1962)[1] is an American singer-songwriter, and actress. Jones is best known as a founding member of the R&B/Pop vocal group En Vogue, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.[2]

Throughout a career spanning 25 years, Jones has sold over 20 million records with En Vogue. Jones has recorded four albums 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. In June 2017, Jones released a brand new version of the En Vogue hit Don't Let Go (Love) as a duet with Australian singer Greg Gould, the song reached #5 on the Australian pop charts and the accompanying music video was a viral hit reaching over 20 million views. Jones is currently in the studio planning to release her first EP in 2018.[3]

Career

1989–97: En Vogue

In July 1989, Jones auditioned in Oakland, California, for the female group En Vogue. Jones was one of the four women selected to become a part of the group. As a member of En Vogue, Jones was credited as the member with the "Motown" voice. In group harmonies, Jones usually sang the "contralto parts" or the lowest key in the harmony. They began recording their debut album in December 1989 and finished in 1990.[4] In 1990, En Vogue released their first single "Hold On", which became a number one single. Later that year, the group released their debut album Born to Sing, which sold a million copies. The group released their multi-platinum second album Funky Divas in 1992. Jones sang lead vocals on the album's top-charting singles including "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", "Give It Up, Turn It Loose", and "Free Your Mind", which remains one of their signature songs. "Free Your Mind" won three MTV Video Music Awards, for "Best R&B Video", "Best Dance Video", and "Best Choreography".

In 1997, En Vogue released their third album, EV3. 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, Maxine toured with En Vogue while Cindy was on maternity leave. Jones continued to perform with En Vogue until 2012.

2011–13: En Vogue to the Max and lawsuit

On September 26, 2011, Ellis, Jones & Herron without Robinson, debuted their new 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.[5] The following year, Jones and former-fellow group member Dawn Robinson created their own group "Heirs to the Throne". The group never officially started. In 2013, Jones began her own line-up of En Vogue. The group debut as "En Vogue to the Max".[6][7][8] It was also soon announced that Ellis and Herron sued Jones for use of the En Vogue name. A judge ruled that Herron and Ellis, as holders of the group's LLC, had exclusive rights to the group's name. Herron and Ellis also filed suit against Jones, demanding $1 million for unauthorized use of the name, though the damages request was ultimately determined to be without merit, as Herron and Ellis could not demonstrate harm done to the company from Jones's use of the name.[9] She also appeared as a judge in season two's Paramount Idol, alongside Bruce Flohr and Andy Waldeck.[10]

2014–present: Solo Career

In 2014, Jones began recording her first solo album with producer DJ King Assassin entitled, To The Max.[3] Jones released the lead single "Didn't I" on May 15, 2014.[3] In 2015, Jones began her own radio show called "Max Radio".[11] She also announced that her first solo album will released in 2018. In 2016, Jones went on tour for the stage-play "Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies" by Teresa D. Ballard.[12]

In March 2017, she announced she'll be releasing an autobiographical self-help book in the summer through Welstar Publications, LLC.[13]

Artistry

Voice and songwriting

Maxine's vocal range spans three octaves and two notes. She is a mezzo-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

Maxine names Chaka Khan as her major musical influence. Her musical influences include Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Pattie LaBelle.[14] Jones' style is rooted in R&B and classic soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats by Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy.

Discography

Singles

References

  1. ↑ "Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary part 2".
  2. ↑ Business Wire (2009-02-12). "Grammy® Nominated R&B Group En Vogue Closes Out Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit". Business Wire. Orlando, Florida, United States. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  3. 1 2 3 Former En Vogue Member Maxine Jones Readies New Single "Didn't I". Top40-Charts. Retrieved on March 24, 2014
  4. ↑ "Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary part 2 - song, music - Copyright Info". Faqs.org. Retrieved 2012-05-11.
  5. ↑ Maxine Jones & Dawn Robinson discuss groups fallout. (Video). Youtube. Retrieved in March 20, 2014.
  6. ↑ CANCELLED: En Vogue to the Max starring Maxine Jones Archived 2013-05-03 at the Wayback Machine. Seven Venues. Retrieved on May 11, 2013
  7. ↑ Maxine Jones Appeals En Vogue Decision BET News. Retrieved on May 11, 2013
  8. ↑ EnVogue performs half-time at the Detroit Piston's game on Monday March 18th Twitter.com. Retrieved on May 11, 2013
  9. ↑ TMZ Staff (1 April 2013). "Celebrity Justice: En Vogue Legal War Settled... Users Stripped of Name". TMZ.com. Retrieved 17 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "Paramount Idol finale's a show to build a dream on". The Daily Progress. May 18, 2012. Missing or empty |url= (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  11. ↑ "Listen To MaxRadio At BlastFi.com".
  12. ↑ Suspicion! Lies! and Death by Pies!. Ovens Auditorium. Retrieved on July 27, 2016
  13. ↑ "Former En Vogue Member Maxine Jones to Release First Book "A Smart Girls Guide to Girl Groups" - YouKnowIGotSoul.com". 28 March 2017.
  14. ↑ Maxine Jones | LinkedIn. LinkedIn. Retrieved on July 27, 2016
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