James Earl Jones III

This artist has been practically living in recording studios since the late '70s, when funk and disco reigned supreme. He began as a drummer and background vocalist in groups such as Breakwater and the S.O.S. Band, outfits in which heavy-hitting session players often contributed. The latter outfit's commercial call for help was answered, for at least a short time, by a public eager for more stuff to dance to. Thus successfully launched, James Earl Jones III's voyage has included work as both an executive and just plain producer, engineer, and composer. The lines of demarcation often confused when it comes to who came up with what on a rap record, it can be assumed that many levels of talent would be required to keep up with Jones.

Credits involving this performer are likely to demonstrate considerably more variations than the rhythms on the records themselves. Sometimes he is identified with the utmost simplicity as Jim Jones and James Jones, inviting confusion with a veritable horde of performing artists. The middle name and designation as the third James Earl Jones are only able to provide a positive identification when used in tandem; after all, James Earl Jones is also the name of the actor who, among many other things, worked the voice of Darth Vader. There are even a few performers named James Jones III to get mixed up with. The career that James Earl Jones III can actually take credit for began in the mid-'70s. An active percussionist on the Atlanta scene, Jones III was part of the S.O.S. Band's original 1977 lineup. As a producer his credits include Heavy D & the Boyz and Playa in 1994 and 1998 respectively, Nick Cannon in 2003. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide