Esther Jones (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Esther Jones
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Jones as an Ikette in 1969
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Ester Bills Ester Jones Esther Burton |
| Born | February 2, 1945 El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | December 8, 2006 (aged 61) Midland, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer Choreographer |
| Associated acts | The Ikettes, Ike & Tina Turner, Kings of Rhythm, Formula 5 |
Esther Jones (born February 2, 1945 – died December 8, 2006) was an American soul singer and choreographer. She was best known as the "longest-lasting Ikette" in the famous Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Later, in the 1980s, she became the lead singer for the band Formula 5.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Esther Faye Jones was born in El Paso, Texas, on February 2, 1945. She grew up in Midland. From a young age, Esther loved music. She sang in church and played percussion instruments. She even won awards for twirling!
After finishing high school in 1964, Esther joined a music group. It was called the B-29ers, and she sang with Arty Tolliver.
Becoming an Ikette
In 1968, Esther tried out to become an Ikette. The Ikettes were the backup singers and dancers for the popular group Ike & Tina Turner. Esther was hired right away!
Most Ikettes didn't stay with the group for very long. But Esther Jones was different. She was one of the main members until the Ike & Tina Turner Revue ended in 1976.
Esther was very experienced and a great leader. She helped train the other Ikettes. Because of her strong leadership, people called her "Motha" Ikette. She was also in charge of most of the dance moves for the group. Tina Turner herself said that Esther was "the hardest worker and toughest dancer."
Touring the World
As an Ikette, Esther Jones traveled all over the world.
- In 1969, she opened for the Rolling Stones on their American tour.
- She appeared in the Isley Brothers concert film It's Your Thing (1970).
- She also had a small role in the movie Taking Off (1971).
- The group performed at a special Independence Day concert in Accra, Ghana. This concert was later shown in the film Soul to Soul (1971).
- Esther and the Ikettes also appeared on many TV shows. These included The Hollywood Palace, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Andy Williams Show, and Soul Train.
While she was an Ikette, Esther lived in Los Angeles. Her three children stayed in Texas with her grandparents.
Later Music and Life
In 1983, Esther Jones released a song called "Love Hour." She sang it with drummer Tony Davis.
In the 1980s, Esther became the lead singer for a soul funk band called Formula 5. She released two albums with the band: Determination (1985) and On The Rise (1986). Both albums were released on Malaco Records. In 1985, Esther also performed at the San Francisco Blues Festival.
Esther Jones passed away on December 8, 2006, at the age of 61. She is remembered for her amazing talent as a singer and dancer.
Discography
This is a list of some of the music Esther Jones recorded.
Singles
Tony & Esther
- 1983: "Love Hour" (Tyshawn TS 7777)
Formula 5
- 1985: "Cleaning House" (Malaco MAL 1218)
- 1985: "Part Time Lover, Full Time Fool" (Malaco MAL 2114)
Albums
Ike & Tina Turner
- 1971: What You Hear Is What You Get - Live at Carnegie Hall
- 1971: Live in Paris – Olympia 1971
Formula 5
- 1985: Determination (Malaco Records)
- 1986: On The Rise (Malaco Records)
Backing Vocal Credits
- 1972: Gayle McCormick – Flesh & Blood (Decca Records)
