Valorie Jones was one of the members of the legendary R&B group The Jones Girls, who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else”, “Nights Over Egypt” and “Who Can I Run To”. She was also a talented backup singer for artists like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass and Lou Rawls. But behind her success and talent, there was a dark side that eventually led to her untimely death in 2001. This is the story of Valorie Jones, singer cause of death.
Contents
The Rise and Fall of The Jones Girls
The Jones Girls were a trio of sisters from Detroit, Michigan: Shirley, Valorie and Brenda. They started singing in their father’s church choir and later formed a group called The Jones Sisters. They moved to New York in the early 1970s and began working as session singers for various producers and labels. They caught the attention of Diana Ross, who hired them as her backup singers and gave them a featured spot in her show. They also signed with Philadelphia International Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1979.
The album was a success, spawning several hits and earning them a gold record. The Jones Girls became one of the most popular female groups of the era, blending soul, disco, funk and pop with their harmonious vocals and catchy hooks. They released three more albums in the 1980s, but their popularity began to decline as musical trends changed. They also faced personal problems, such as drug abuse, financial difficulties and family issues. They disbanded in 1984 and pursued solo careers.
Valorie’s Struggle with Alcoholism
Valorie Jones was the youngest of the sisters and the most outgoing and charismatic. She had a distinctive voice that added flavor and spice to the group’s sound. She was also a gifted songwriter and producer, who contributed to some of the group’s songs as well as other artists’ projects. However, she also had a serious problem with alcoholism that affected her health and career.
According to her sister Shirley, Valorie started drinking heavily after the group broke up. She said that Valorie felt depressed and lonely, and that she tried to cope with her pain by drinking. She also said that Valorie had a low self-esteem and that she did not realize how talented and beautiful she was. Shirley tried to help her sister by taking her to rehab several times, but Valorie always relapsed.
Valorie’s alcoholism took a toll on her body and mind. She suffered from liver damage, kidney failure, seizures, memory loss and hallucinations. She also lost a lot of weight and looked frail and sickly. She isolated herself from her family and friends, and lived in poverty and squalor. She died on December 2, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 45. The cause of death was complications from alcoholism.
The Legacy of Valorie Jones
Valorie Jones may have died young and tragically, but she left behind a legacy of music that still resonates today. Her voice can be heard on many classic songs that have influenced generations of singers and listeners. Her group The Jones Girls has been sampled by artists like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Outkast, Aaliyah and Beyoncé. Her song “Who Can I Run To” was covered by Xscape in 1995 and became a hit again. Her sister Shirley released an album in 2007 with Jean Carn and Cherrelle called Ladies Night Out, which paid tribute to Valorie and their other sister Brenda, who died in 2017 after being hit by several cars while crossing the street.
Valorie Jones was a soulful singer who had a lot of potential and talent. She was loved by her fans and respected by her peers. She was also a troubled soul who struggled with addiction and depression. She died too soon, but she will always be remembered for her music and her spirit.