Etta Jones
Etta Jones was born on November 25, 1928, in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem, New York. She began her career as a teenager after participating in an amateur night at the Apollo Theater, where she was noticed by bandleader Buddy Johnson. This opportunity led her to tour with Johnson's band and later perform with other notable jazz musicians, including Earl "Fatha" Hines and Barney Bigard.
Jones's recording career began in the 1940s, but she achieved significant success in 1960 with her hit single "Don't Go to Strangers," which reached number five on the R&B charts and earned her a Grammy nomination. Despite her initial struggles, including working various day jobs to support herself, Jones recorded over two dozen albums throughout her career.
In the late 1960s, she formed a long-lasting musical partnership with tenor saxophonist Houston Person, with whom she toured for over 30 years. This collaboration was a pivotal part of her career, leading to numerous recordings and performances.
Etta Jones's career spanned nearly six decades, during which she was known for her soulful jazz vocals and blues influences. She passed away on October 16, 2001, in Mount Vernon, New York, leaving behind a legacy of influential jazz recordings and a devoted following.
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