(September 7, 2026) For more than five decades, Shirley Jones has been part of one of soul music’s most enduring family stories. The lead vocalist and last surviving member of The Jones Girls, she is telling that story in her own words, while also giving fans some new music.
Jones has released her new autobiography, Being A Jones Girl, which recounts her life with sisters Brenda and Valorie, their rise from Detroit to international success, and the personal triumphs and tragedies that accompanied their journey. As Shirley describes the book, it is “A story of sisterhood, triumph, love, loss, faith and the timeless legacy of a group that helped shape the sound of a generation.”
The story began in Detroit, where Shirley, Brenda and Valorie Jones developed the close harmonies that became their trademark. After years as in-demand background singers, including work with Diana Ross, the sisters signed with Philadelphia International Records and broke through with the 1979 hit “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else.” They followed with a strong run of favorites including “I Just Love the Man,” “Dance Turned Into a Romance,” “Who Can I Run To” and “Nights Over Egypt,” blending Detroit harmonies with the sophisticated Philadelphia soul sound.
After the trio’s years together, Shirley launched a successful solo career, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1986 with “Do You Get Enough Love.” Her debut solo album, Always in the Mood, also included “She Knew About Me,” a song she co-wrote with Kenny Gamble and Reggie Griffin.
Nearly four decades later, Jones is revisiting that song with the newly released “She Knew About Me RMX 2026.” The recording gives a fresh treatment to one of her early solo tracks as she prepares to look back on the larger story of her life and career.
That story has included tremendous musical success as well as heartbreaking loss, including the deaths of Valorie in 2001 and Brenda in 2017. Shirley has continued performing and carrying forward the Jones Girls legacy for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
She’s long been a favorite here at SoulTracks, and we’re excited that she is sharing both her life story and some new music with us.
CLICK HERE to see this book at Amazon.com
