Jessica Smith, known best as 1/3 or the trio Hodges, James & Smith, has died after a long battle with kidney disease.
Hodges, James & Smith was created by William "Mickey" Stevenson, former songwriter, producer and A&R director at Motown. Pat Hodges, Denita James, and Jessica Smith were handpicked by Mickey. They started performing in the clubs and created a buzz playing them in Europe.
Jessica Smith, known best as 1/3 or the trio Hodges, James & Smith, has died after a long battle with kidney disease.
Hodges, James & Smith was created by William "Mickey" Stevenson, former songwriter, producer and A&R director at Motown. Pat Hodges, Denita James, and Jessica Smith were handpicked by Mickey. They started performing in the clubs and created a buzz playing them in Europe.
Their first album was released in 1973 on 20th Century Fox records, called Incredible, which included the singles ''You Take My Love For Granted'' and ''Signal Your Intention.'' Their next album was released in 1975 and was called Power Of Love. It contained their version of ''I (Who Have Nothing)'' which, although released as a single, did not chart. In 1976 they were signed to London Records and 1977 released the album What's on Your Mind.' It was well received and contained the singles ''Since I Fell For You,'' ''Don't Take Away Your Love'' and their soulful version of Morris Albert's ''Feelings.'' A second London release, What Have You Done for Love, was released in 1978 and featured the title track, ''You Know Who You Are'' and a medley "Since I Fell for You/I'm Falling in Love.'' Unfortunately the band soon disbanded after a further couple of single releases on various small independent releases.
By Gary Van den Bussche
Disco, Soul, Gold
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