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Thelma mesmerizes her audience with energy, passion and that
elusive quality known as ‘soul’. Whether singing a jazz standard, a blues tune
or one of her own much-loved pop/R&B recordings, Thelma Jones infuses each
performance, be it in the recording studio or live onstage with the same innate
soulfulness. With roots in gospel, a longstanding love for the country music of
artists like Hank Williams and for the blues work artists such as B. B. King and
T-Bone Walker, the North Carolina- native has developed her own distinctive
style, drawing on such influences but always adding her own special touch.
Certainly, through her distinguished career, Thelma
Jones has consistently shown that there are no limits to her
musicality. She started her career at The Apollo Theater’s amateur
night under T-Bone Walker’s advice after hearing her rendition of
Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah I Love Him So”. Thelma then signed with
Barry records and recorded several singles including “Never Leave
Me”, which made it to the R&B charts. That led to her ‘official’
guest appearance at The Apollo which is where she met the late Big
Maybelle. Thelma says, “She took me under her wing and became a real
mentor for me and that’s why, these days, I include a tribute to her
in my ‘live’ shows.” She then appeared with such artists as The
O’Jays, Otis Redding, Jerry Butler, The Intruders, Walter Jackson,
Brook Benton, The Vibrations, James Brown, Howard Tate and even
Gladys Knight (& The Pips). In 1976, she signed with Columbia
Records after singing a ‘live’ version of “Will You Still Love Me
Tomorrow”.
With credits that include a Levi’s commercial, videos
with Jackson Browne and saxophonist Najee and an ovation-induced
performance at the famed “Divas Simply Singing” concert in Los
Angeles, Thelma Jones has created a loyal and strong following. Her
audiences are touched by her always real, moving live performances.
Thelma’s latest recording “Law Of Old” with John Heussenstamm, with
its contemporary blues, jazz and R&B sound, promises to expand
Thelma’s growing audience worldwide; it is a true musical treat, a
testament to her enduring talent and her soulful artistry.
Check out our band information on your
top right
For booking information and pricing, call Mark Wood Entertainment
in Southern California at
949.748.6850 |
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