Jones, Linda (1944–1972)

views updated

Jones, Linda (1944–1972)

Soul singer . Born in 1944; died in 1972.

Although she has all but been forgotten, Linda Jones was, according to many critics, one of the most dramatic soul singers of all time. Her recording of "Hypnotized" hit the charts in 1967, but it was in her later recordings for Turbo that she displayed the full range of her talent. One critic describes her rendition of "Let It Be Me," as beginning with a climax and working up to a "towering fury" that was pure gospel. Unfortunately, Jones suffered from diabetes and died in 1972, after collapsing during a performance at New York's Apollo Theater. Two later albums showcased the best of her work: Hypnotized (CBS, 1989) and Your Precious Love (Sequel, 1991).

More From encyclopedia.com