SoulTrackers know that we've been fans of singer extraordinaire Shirley Jones since back in the day when she sang with her sisters Valorie and Brenda as part of the legendary Jones Girls. And we've been very happy as Shirley has been recording more actively over the past few years. Shirley is readying a new album for Expansion Records and she's giving us an advance look with a song produced by Errol Henry that combines her sense of the classic R&B jam with a spiritual message that reflects her years singing in the church.
SoulTrackers know that we've been fans of singer extraordinaire Shirley Jones since back in the day when she sang with her sisters Valorie and Brenda as part of the legendary Jones Girls. And we've been very happy as Shirley has been recording more actively over the past few years. Shirley is readying a new album for Expansion Records and she's giving us an advance look with a song produced by Errol Henry that combines her sense of the classic R&B jam with a spiritual message that reflects her years singing in the church.
Shirley told us about the song: I recorded this song when I was in London back over the 4th of July. I had a couple of shows there and Errol Henry (who had produced a lot of the songs on the Jones Girls' Comin Back CD) had contacted me before I came over and said he had a song that he wanted me to record if I had the time. Ralph Tee had contacted me also about the song. Errol never had a chance to send the song to me but I knew if he wrote it - based on the songs he wrote and produced for me and my sisters - that it was going to be awesome. The trick was my last date was not in London but 100 miles out so they decided to take me to what they said was a mobile studio. Well, they came and picked me up and drove me about another 50 miles to what I soon learned was Ronnie Lane Moblie Studio, which is where The Who, The Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley and others recorded; a lot of history in the studio.
I went in and Errol played the beat for me, and before I knew the lyrics I immediately said I have to do this song. We recorded the entire song in about 3 1/2 hours with me doing all backing vocals as well as the lead. The lyrics are of course what really made me truly feel this song because it is about Pure Love; me being one that has sang for over 30 years about the love between a man and woman in every way you can, felt that this is the time to sing about the love of our Father, the ultimate love. This new album is going to be full of inspirational, complete love songs. I am going to call this new album We Are All One. Valorie's son PJ and I wrote the song "We Are All One" and my son Cameron will be doing a rap on this one as well as the remake of "At Peace With Woman." My belief is that WE are all ONE after all is said and done, We are all One.
Great words from Shirley, making us really look forward to the new album. In the meantime, check out the premiere of "Because You Love Me," our newest SoulTracks First Listen and tell us what you think about the return of the great Shirley Jones! And then look for it in stores on December 12!
Shirley Jones - "Because You Love Me"