Albennie Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albennie Jones
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Albinia Jones |
| Born | November 29, 1914 Errata, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | June 24, 1989 (aged 74) The Bronx, New York City, US |
| Genres | Blues, jazz, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1930s – early 1950s |
| Labels | National, Decca |
| Associated acts | Sammy Price |
Albennie Jones (born November 29, 1914 – died June 24, 1989) was an American singer. She was famous for her blues and jazz music. She recorded many songs in the mid and late 1940s. She was also known as Albinia Jones.
Her Early Life and Career
Albennie Jones was born in Errata, Mississippi. She grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi. There, she sang in the Mount Holy Baptist Church. In 1932, she moved to New York City.
Her first professional singing job was at the Elk's Rendezvous Club. She was so good that she stayed there for nine months. She also sang in other popular clubs. These included the Club Harlem, the Village Vanguard, and Murrains Café.
Recording Her Music
Albennie Jones started recording music in late 1944. She recorded for National Records under the name Albinia Jones. Her band included electric guitarist Leonard Ware and pianist Cliff Jackson.
In 1945, she worked with even more famous musicians. These included trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and saxophonist Don Byas. Pianist Sammy Price also played with her. People called her the "New Queen of the Blues." She traveled a lot and performed with other big names. She toured with Blanche Calloway, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Tiny Bradshaw, and the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra.
As Albennie Jones, she recorded again with Sammy Price. This was for Decca Records in 1947 and 1949. One of her last songs with Price was "Hole in the Wall" in 1949. This was a lively rhythm and blues (R&B) song. It famously included the line, "we're going to rock and roll at the Hole in the Wall tonight". This was one of the earliest times that phrase was used in a song.
Later Years
In the early 1950s, Albennie Jones had an accident on stage. After that, she needed to use a crutch when she performed. Soon after, she stopped singing professionally. She later became ill with leukaemia. Albennie Jones passed away in The Bronx, New York City, in 1989. She was 74 years old.
