Written By: Truly Sincere
Exclusive Edition
THE RETURN OF
R&B LOVE JONES
In the mid-and late-1990s, Donell Jones was a musical force to be reckoned with. Today the acclaimed R&B singer, songwriter, and producer are once again bringing wonderful music into the world with a new album. “100% Free,” his seventh studio release, dropped worldwide in November 2020. Early buzz shows that there’s a lot to love about the new album and plenty of excellent, even inspiring, music that will appeal to new listeners as well as his still-loyal fans who have been around for more than 30 years.
Donell Jones said he felt the crazy, confusing, and unpleasant conditions in the country and the world this year make it the perfect time to present “100% Free.” The album is full of wonderful music and offers positive vibes for all. The seven tracks include plenty of messages about love, healing, and finding ways to de-stress. Some themes encourage listeners to make the planet a better place, starting by first focusing on ways to make themselves better people.
His previous album, “Forever,” came out in 2013. Since then, Donell Jones has been putting effort into being a dad: he’s currently married and is a father of six. The family experience, which has also included a role as a sought-after relationship coach, has helped him mature as a person which comes out in creative ways in his music. Donell Jones, the son of a gospel singer, was born and raised in the Chicago area. In early interviews, he said he chose music to keep him out of the area’s gang lifestyle, a decision that paid off in many ways.
As a teen, he became friends with DJ Eddie F from Heavy D and the Boyz, and later they formed LaFace Records. He wrote several hits for Usher, 702, and Drea, which gave him the green light to produce his material, starting with “U Know What’s Up,” and “Where I Wanna Be.” His first album, “My Heart” came out in 1996, followed by “Where I Wanna Be,” which reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The single also earned platinum status and other international recognition. His cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet” also received popular acclaim. He continued to release his new music as well as write for and collaborate with other artists. In 2009, he left LaFace Records to focus on his independent songwriting and producing efforts which have included more albums, more payback, and more collaborations with other artists.
Follow Donell Jones @donelljonesforever on social media and at www.donelljonesmusic.com