Maxine Jones

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Maxine Jones
MaxineJonesSoulofPride2019.png
Jones performing at Soul of Pride, 2019
Background information
Born (1962-01-16) January 16, 1962 (age 62) [1] [lower-alpha 1]
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Origin Oakland, California, U.S.
Genres
OccupationsSinger, songwriter, actress, businesswoman
Years active1989–present
Labels
Formerly of En Vogue

Maxine Jones (born January 16, 1962), [1] [lower-alpha 1] 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.

Contents

Career

1989–2011: En Vogue

Jones (second from the left) performing with En Vogue during their reunion tour, 2009 En Vogue live.jpeg
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. [3] They began recording their debut album in 1989 and finished in 1990. [4] 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. [5] Later that year, the group released their debut album Born to Sing , which sold a million copies the United States. [6]

The group released their second album Funky Divas in 1992, which sold over 3.5 million copies in the United States. [6] 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. [5] "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, [5] 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. [7] 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. [5] [6] 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. [5] It also sold over 1.8 million copies worldwide and became certified platinum by the RIAA. [6] 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. [6] 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. [8]

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

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". [9] [10] [11] 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. [12] 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. [13]

2014–2018: Solo career and The Funky Divas

In 2014, Jones began recording her first solo album with producer DJ King Assassin entitled, To the Max. [14] Jones released a single "Didn't I" on May 15, 2014. [14] In 2015, Jones began her own radio show called "Max Radio". [15] In 2016, Jones went on tour for the stage-play "Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies!" by Teresa D. Ballard. [16]

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. [17] In June 2017, Jones released a cover version of the "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. [18] 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. [19]

Artistry

Voice and songwriting

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

Jones names Chaka Khan as her major musical influence. Her musical influences also include Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle. [20] Jones' style is rooted in R&B and classic soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats by Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy.

Discography

Singles

Filmography

Films

YearTitleRoleNotes
1995 Batman Forever Girl on the corner No. 1 / prostituteCameo appearance

TV appearances

YearTitleRoleEpisode
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"
2017The HillsWaitress"Watergate"

Theatre appearances

YearTitleRole
2016Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies!Ms. Fellows

Notes

  1. 1 2 or January 16, 1966 (age 58) [lower-alpha 2] [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] (sources differ)
  2. The Encyclopedia of Popular Music - By Colin Larkin.Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  3. On this Day in Music History - By Jay Warner.Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  4. Encyclopedia of Popular Music - By Colin Larkin.Retrieved January 17, 2020.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">En Vogue</span> American vocal girl group

En Vogue is an American vocal girl group whose original lineup consisted of singers Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones. Formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, En Vogue reached No. 2 on the US Hot 100 with the single "Hold On", taken from their 1990 debut album Born to Sing. The group's 1992 follow-up album Funky Divas reached the top 10 in both the US and UK, and included their second US number two hit "My Lovin' " as well as the US top 10 hits "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and "Free Your Mind".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foster & McElroy</span> American production team

Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy are an American R&B record production and songwriting duo, releasing recordings under the names Foster & McElroy and Fmob. They have written and produced songs for musicians such as Club Nouveau, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Alexander O'Neal, Regina Belle, and Swing Out Sister. Their music has been sampled in hit songs by the Luniz, Puff Daddy, Ashanti, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Jessica Simpson, and others. Foster & McElroy are best known as the founders of the group En Vogue, listed by Billboard as one of the Top 10 Girl Groups of All Time. In addition to producing music for various television shows, they are also credited for songs in numerous movie soundtracks including The Great White Hype, Lean on Me, and Who's That Girl.

<i>Funky Divas</i> 1992 studio album by En Vogue

Funky Divas is the second studio album by American recording group En Vogue, released by Atlantic Records division East West on March 24, 1992, in the United States. Conceived after the success of their Grammy Award–nominated debut album Born to Sing (1990), En Vogue reteamed with their founders Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy to work on the entire album. As with Born to Sing, the pair borrowed from contemporary R&B, new jack swing, and hip hop, while also incorporating classic soul, blues and doo-wop elements, particularly on its on two Sparkle cover versions, as well as, in the case of "Free Your Mind," heavy metal sounds. The album became the quartet's second album to earn a Grammy Award nomination in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category, while winning the American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dawn Robinson</span> American singer (born 1965)

Dawn Sherrese Robinson is an American singer and actress 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. Following her departure from En Vogue, Robinson joined Lucy Pearl and released their self-titled debut album Lucy Pearl in 2000, which went platinum worldwide and produced the successful singles "Dance Tonight" and "Don't Mess with My Man".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terry Ellis</span> American R&B singer

Terry Lynn Ellis is an American singer. She is best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue which formed in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cindy Herron</span> American singer and actress

Cynthia Ann Herron, professionally known as Cindy Herron and sometimes credited as Cindy Herron–Braggs is an American singer and actress. Herron is 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. She sang lead vocals on the group's first single "Hold On", which garnered mainstream success and sold over a million copies. Despite being absent from the group during certain periods, Herron and fellow group member Terry Ellis are the only original members to appear on all of the group's album releases to date. In the 1980s, Herron began her career as an actress, making her debut appearance in Up and Coming as "Valerie".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" is a song by American pop/R&B group En Vogue, released in March 1992 as the lead single from their multi-platinum second album, Funky Divas (1992).

<i>Born to Sing</i> (En Vogue album) 1990 studio album by En Vogue

Born to Sing is the debut studio album by American vocal group En Vogue. It was released by Atlantic Records on April 3, 1990, in the United States. Conceived after their contribution to band founders Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy's 1988 compilation project FM2 for Atlantic, it was chiefly produced by Foster and McElroy, with additional contribution from Hughie Prince, Don Raye, and former The Independents members Marvin Yancy and Chuck Jackson, through song covers. Musically, Born to Sing contains a range of contemporary genres, blending a mix of soft hip hop soul, pop, contemporary early-1990s R&B, rap, and new jack swing.

<i>Soul Flower</i> 2004 studio album by En Vogue

Soul Flower is the sixth studio album by the American recording group En Vogue. Released through 33rd Street and Funkigirl Records and distributed by Bayside Entertainment on February 24, 2004 in the United States, the album marked the band's debut with the label as well as their first full-length release to feature vocals by new band member Rhona Bennett who had joined remaining founding members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron the year before following the departure of Amanda Cole, resulting into the partial re-recording of several songs on Soul Flower that Cole had originally lent her voice to.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (En Vogue song)</span> 1990 single by En Vogue

"Hold On" is a song by American girl group En Vogue, released in early 1990 as the first single from their debut album, Born to Sing (1990). It was produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, and written by the former two and all members of the group. It peaked at number five in the United Kingdom and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the latter country, the song reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Play, 12-inch Singles Sales, and Hot Black Singles charts. En Vogue performed "Hold On" at the 2008 BET Awards with Alicia Keys. In 2017, it was ranked number four on Spin magazine's ranking of "The 30 Best '90s R&B Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something He Can Feel</span> 1976 single by Aretha Franklin

"Something He Can Feel" is a song composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 motion picture Sparkle. The song, a love ballad in a Chicago-/Philly-soul style, became a number-one hit on the Billboard's R&B singles chart in the United States twice with two separate recordings: a 1976 version by Aretha Franklin from the film's soundtrack, and a 1992 cover by girl group En Vogue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Don't Love You</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Love Don't Love You" is a song by American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue, released as the final single from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). It was released in 1993 and became the group's fifth consecutive top-40 single from the album in the United States. The song is led by Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Is Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"What Is Love" was the final single from En Vogue's second album, Funky Divas. The song was not released commercially, but was instead shipped to dance clubs across the United States. "What Is Love" reached the Top 10 of the US dance charts. The song appeared again in 1993 as part of the group's Runaway Love EP. This was the only song En Vogue produced for market featuring Maxine Jones and Cindy Herron sharing lead vocals. It was initially to be included on Remix to Sing as a new song, but missed the production deadline and was added to Funky Divas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riddle (song)</span> 2000 single by En Vogue

"Riddle" is a song recorded by American R&B group En Vogue. It was written by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, along with band members Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, and Terry Ellis, for their fourth studio album Masterpiece Theater (2000), while production was helmed by Foster & McElroy. An angry mid-tempo song about a sneaking, cheating lover, "Riddle" is built around a clapping game motif, and interpolates the band's 1992 song "My Lovin' ." Lyrically, it has the protagonist revealing her feelings about discovering that her love interest is having an affair with someone else over the course of the week.

<i>Remix to Sing</i> 1991 EP by En Vogue

Remix to Sing is a 1991 EP by American female vocal group En Vogue. It is their first remix album which was released on November 26, 1991, by East West Records. The EP features remixes of songs from their platinum debut album Born to Sing. Also included are the three hit singles; "Hold On", "You Don't Have to Worry" and "Lies" which all peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs chart.

<i>EV3</i> 1997 studio album by En Vogue

EV3 is the third studio album by American female vocal group En Vogue. It was released by East West Records on June 17, 1997, in the United States. Recorded after a lengthy break during which the group members became mothers or put out solo records, the album was En Vogue's first project to include a diverse roster of collaborators including credits from Babyface, David Foster, Diane Warren, Andrea Martin, Ivan Matias, and Organized Noize along with regular contributors Foster & McElroy. It marked their first album without Dawn Robinson, who decided to leave the group late into the recording of EV3 to focus on her solo career. Her absence meant much of the album had to be rerecorded to account for En Vogue's altered sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Runaway Love" is a song by American R&B/pop group En Vogue, released in September 1993 by EastWest as the first single from the group's extended play (EP) Runaway Love. After the huge success of their second album, Funky Divas (1992), the single was released. It was written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster. Group members Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis share lead vocals, Dawn Robinson leads on the bridge, and spoken intro is by Maxine Jones. Elroy and Foster contributed vocals and spoken rap, their known as the alias FMob group.

<i>Masterpiece Theatre</i> (En Vogue album) 2000 studio album by En Vogue

Masterpiece Theatre is the fourth studio album by American recording group En Vogue, released worldwide by Elektra Records on May 23, 2000. It marked the band's debut with Elektra, as well as their only release following their departure from longtime label Eastwest Records. Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones worked exclusively with regular collaborators Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy on the album who made heavy use of samples from classical music and traditional pop music to construct songs for Masterpiece Theatre, with its title alluding to the same-titled American drama anthology television series, best known for presenting adaptations of a mix of contemporary and classic novels and biographies.

<i>The Very Best of En Vogue</i> 2001 greatest hits album by En Vogue

The Very Best of En Vogue is a 2001 greatest hits album by En Vogue, containing hits from their three studio albums, Born to Sing, Funky Divas, and EV3.

<i>The Gift of Christmas</i> (En Vogue album) 2002 studio album by En Vogue

The Gift of Christmas is fifth studio album and the Christmas album by American female recording group En Vogue, released on October 8, 2002 by Discretion Enterprises following their departure from Elektra Records. Produced and arranged by long time collaborators Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, featuring additional production by Timothy Eaton, it is the group's first Christmas album and their only record to feature vocals from Amanda Cole who remained two years with the group. The Gift of Christmas features original Christmas tunes as well as cover versions of classic holiday songs.

References

  1. 1 2 "Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary part 2". Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2010.
  2. ↑ Business Wire (February 12, 2009). "Grammy Nominated R&B Group En Vogue Closes Out Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit". Business Wire . Orlando, Florida, United States. Retrieved December 13, 2013.{{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  3. ↑ AOL. "News, Sports, Weather, Entertainment, Local & Lifestyle – AOL". Archived from the original on January 24, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  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. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 En Vogue Chart History. Billboard. Retrieved March 4, 2019
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "US Certifications > En Vogue". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  7. ↑ En Vogue | Artist. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved March 4, 2019
  8. ↑ Maxine Jones & Dawn Robinson discuss groups fallout. (Video). Youtube. Retrieved in March 20, 2014.
  9. ↑ CANCELLED: En Vogue to the Max starring Maxine Jones Archived May 3, 2013, at the Wayback Machine Seven Venues. Retrieved May 11, 2013
  10. ↑ Maxine Jones Appeals En Vogue Decision BET News. Retrieved May 11, 2013
  11. ↑ EnVogue performs half-time at the Detroit Piston's game on Monday March 18th Twitter. Retrieved May 11, 2013
  12. ↑ TMZ Staff (April 1, 2013). "Celebrity Justice: En Vogue Legal War Settled... Users Stripped of Name". TMZ.com. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Paramount Idol finale's a show to build a dream on". The Daily Progress. May 18, 2012.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  14. 1 2 Former En Vogue Member Maxine Jones Readies New Single "Didn't I". Top40-Charts. Retrieved March 24, 2014
  15. ↑ "Listen To MaxRadio at BlastFi.com".
  16. ↑ Suspicion! Lies! and Death by Pies!. Ovens Auditorium. Retrieved July 27, 2016
  17. ↑ "Former En Vogue Member Maxine Jones to Release First Book 'A Smart Girls Guide to Girl Groups'". March 28, 2017.
  18. ↑ "En Vogue Reunite With ALL Members". Thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Maxine Jones on Instagram: "😍 the QUEEN DIVA has spoken!! NEW MUSIC ALERT!! Available EVERYWHERE!!! Take a listen y'all !! 'You already know!!'😍 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 @Posted @withrepost • @bigfreedia Hey y'all I'm super excited for the collaboration with the Diva my sweet heart @iammaxinejones Not Your Freak Out Now !! You got to take a listen 👂🏾 ya heard me !! Available Everywhere!!!👂🏾👂🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️"".
  20. ↑ Maxine Jones | LinkedIn. LinkedIn. Retrieved July 27, 2016
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