Donell Jones
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
Selected Discography

The Best Of Donell Jones
2007

Journey Of A Gemini
2006

Life Goes On
2002

Where I Wanna Be
1999

My Heart
1996
How does Donell Jones have a "Best Of" album? Is this a self promoting joke? Not saying that I don't like the man's (2) hits, but I don't think he's at compilation status yet. Expecially since I haven't heard anything from him in a number of years.
|
||
Love Donell Jones... He brings new meaining of "Slow Jams" to the table.. I've always enjoyed his music and look forward to new material...
Thanks For Your Talent... |
||
FROM TAMIJABRA: HE'S RARE AND HE'E GOOD, I CAN LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC EVERYDAY! CAN'T WAIT FOR A CONCERT AND NEW MUSIC.
|
||
I love Donell's Music I'm always looking for the next album. If I was a singer I would have a style just like his smooth to woo the ladies. lol Keep up and don't change your style for the industry you have a follow and keep the slow cuts coming with the great lyrics man.
|
||
Donell has the kind of voice that makes puts a smile on your face and make you want to lay back and let his words and sound just caress you mind and soul. Love his music; so talented.
|
||
donell jones is baby making music gives me that hiphop blues feeling and he is so easy on the eyes
|
||
i agree w/ what earl said... if there is an artist you really enjoy and care about, you should actually PURCHASE their music, instead of just burning a copy off of someone else or downloading a bootleg for free. we have to show our support by doing that as well as paying the price of admission at their concerts. if you get tired of hearing garbage music, that is the way to keep the artists we truly love in business.
|
||
NOW HERE IS ONE BROTHER WHO HIT THE SCENE A FEW YEARS AGO AND IS STILL PUTTING OUT GREAT MUSIC!!! I BUY ALL HIS CD'S. I SUPPORT THE ARTIST BY GOING TO A RETAIL STORE AND BUYING THE REAL CD........SH O W YOUR SUPPORT FOR GREAT TALENT AND GOOD ARTIST...STO P BUYING BOOTLEG CRAP YALL!!! THAT MONEY GOES IN THE JUNKIE AND CRACKHEAD POCKETS AND NOT THE ARTIST...... . . . . P E A C E
|
||
I love your 1999 & 2002 CD's
the thought you have put into your music makes me feel good about men such as yourself does and do actually exist. |
||
Your album "Where I Wanna Be" got me through some heavy stuff. Hands down I believe you are one of the best best best R&B artist. It has such a smooth and relaxing feel....keep the hits coming.
|
||
You already Know it you are the one thats blessed to help us that has been in your shoe's get over it without hurting ourselves or anybody else just keep on beeing real and God Bless you to continue serving your fans with nothing but the truth and we got ya back I think I speak for all of your fans when I say we got ya back I dont think theres a cd of yours that I got that I did not buy or somebody else didnt buy for me not discriminati n g to you people who get the boot-legs but when you have a r
|
||
i love your song and it makes me thank about my boyfriend or when im feeling ad.
|
||
He is a lovable person and wish he would come out with more music. I miss the soul and jazzy feeling he gives.
|
||
such a talented brotha. i hope he keeps turning that music out! love it!
|
||
Donell! I am such a big fan of yours! I love all your music. There's nobody like you. Hope to hear more from you soon. You're the best! Keep doin' what you do. Much Love
|
||
I must agree Donnel is very talented. He is a breath of fresh air in an industry of main stream copycats
|
||
I HAVE BEEN A BIG FAN OF DONNELL JONES' SINCE HIS FIRST ALBUM IN 1996. HE IS A VERY TALENTED ARTIST WITH AWESOME VOCALS. I AM ANTICIPATING THE RELEASE OF DONNELL'S NEXT ALBUM. I JUST HOPE HE DOESN'T MAKE US WAIT TOO LONG FOR THE NEXT ONE, LIKE HE'S DONE IN THE PAST. DONNELL IS TOO BRILIANT OF AN ARTIST NOT TO SHARE HIS WORK WITH THE PUBLIC ON A STEADY BASIS....IF I HAVE TO WAIT, I'LL WAIT....I KNOW HE'LL DEFINTELY MAKE IT WORTH THE WAIT.
|
||
One of the most talented, smooth r&b artist to date. I don't think we've seen all there is to him. I love all his music and thinks he has an amazing voice. I just don't think we hear enough from him.
|
||
he is so under estimated and has not received all his props like he should have!!!
|
||
Donell is the most underrated artist out there! He has the swagger and is oh so sexy! Keep 'em coming baby!
|
||
This man will have you making sum mad love up in here been into him since the 90's his voice is just too smooth and sexxy I love it.
|
||
He is definitely sexy and has a wonderful voice. He is like a lot of artist who can sing but do not get enough credit. I hope he brings out another album.
|
| report abuse |
