Donell Jones

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albums

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- The Best Of Donell Jones
- Released 2007

- Where I Wanna Be
- Released 1999

- Life Goes On (Bonus Track)
- Released 2002

- Journey Of A Gemini
- Released 2006

biography

Beginning with his 1996 album My Heart, singer/songwriter/producer Donell Jones recorded a jazzy and soulful style of urban pop for La Face Records and scored a few modest singles in the process. His first two singles -- "In the Hood" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet" -- established his reputation within the competitive urban market. In particular, the latter song, originally a Stevie Wonder song from Songs in the Key of Life (1976), became a substantial hit for Jones, climbing to the upper reaches of the Billboard R&B chart and driving the album up the charts as well. In addition to his own music, he also wrote songs for other urban artists such as Usher ("Think of You") and 702 ("Get It Together"), among others.

Born the son of a gospel singer, Jones immersed himself in music at a young age. Later, he began to fall victim to the temptations of Chicago's south side, where he grew up. At one point, after involving himself with gang culture, he decided to dedicate himself to music rather than the streets. He met Edward "Eddie F" Ferrell (former Heavy D & the Boyz member turned Untouchables Entertainment president), and the two formed a partnership with La Face. Following the success of Usher's "Think of You" in 1994 (number eight R&B), a song written by Jones, La Face executives L.A. Reid and Babyface gave the blossoming artist the go-ahead to begin work on his solo debut. Executive produced by Ferrell, Reid, and Babyface, My Heart peaked at number 30 on Billboard's R&B chart in 1996, propelled primarily by the success of "Knocks Me Off My Feet" as well as two other singles: "In the Hood" and "You Should Know."

When Jones returned three years later in 1999 with his second album, Where I Wanna Be, he had become known as an accomplished songwriter. He penned songs for 702 ("Get It Together," 1997) and Drea ("Not Gonna Letcha," 1998) and was well regarded within the industry as a result. Unsurprisingly then, Jones attained impressive success with Where I Wanna Be and its singles: "U Know What's Up" and "Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me)." Shortly after the album's release, he contributed a song to the Shaft soundtrack ("Do What I Gotta Do") and to Guru's Streetsoul album ("Hustlin' Daze," which he also contributed vocals to). Following some time off in 2001, Jones returned in 2002 with his third album, Life Goes On. The album peaked at number three on the album chart, but he wasn't able to follow it up until 2006's Journey of a Gemini. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide

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comments

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- - always be one of my classics
  - - By Neehsat
    - 9/29/2009 02:15:10
  - Love his music and style
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- - My 2nd fav artist
  - - By jedihustla27
    - 9/2/2009 04:16:40
  - He's one of only a handful of artists who keeps it consistent,all his albums are good. Probaly the best r&b male singer out now.....well right after maxwell
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- - One Of The Best
  - - By Jay Book
    - 2/21/2009 03:41:35
  - One of the best R&B singers around period
  - 1 out of 1 people
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- - Great Artist!
  - - By BeautifulMelody
    - 1/1/2009 09:02:56
  - He is a great singer, has good music that hold that true R&B essence, but it is a shame that he is/was heavily slept on, most artist with REAL talent are now days.... *smh
    
    I hope he comes out with a new album!
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