Donell Jones Biography

Donell Jones (born , 1973, Chicago, Illinois) is an American R&B singer, songwriter and record producer.

He is most notable for the hits “U Know What’s Up”, “Where I Wanna Be” and his cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet”.

Biography

Jones’ upbringing was rough. He struggled between wanting to be a musician and a member of the Gangster Disciples, a street gang. After a brush with death, Jones left the gang and focused on a music career forming the group Porscha. However, Jones was gaining notice as a writer penning songs for established R&B acts such as Usher (he producing the singer’s 1995 hit “Think of You”) and 702 (band)’s “Get It Together”. Jones also wrote for groups such as Brownstone and Silk.

He has four daughters with his former girlfriend.

Music Career

In 1996, Donell Jones signed with LaFace Records and released his debut album, My Heart, which included the hit cover of Stevie Wonder’s 1976 ballad “Knocks Me Off My Feet”.

It wasn’t until 1999, however, that Jones began to establish himself as a true R&B hit maker with his second album, Where I Wanna Be. The album yielded number-one hits such as “U Know What’s Up”, which featured TLC member Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes on the title track. Other hits included “Shorty Got Her Eyes on Me” and “All This Love”. The album went on to sell over one million copies.

In 2000, Jones recorded the song “I’ll Go” for the Love and Basketball soundtrack.

Jones released his third album in 2002, the gold-selling Life Goes On album. It featured the hits, “You Know That I Love You” (#16 R&b) and “Put Me Down” featuring Styles P..

Four years later in 2006 Jones released his fourth album, Journey of a Gemini which included the Tim & Bob produced song “I’m Gonna Be”. It had moderate success reaching #40 on Urban AC. “Spend The Night” also received notable airplay.

A new Donell Jones album is expected for a late 2009, early 2010 release.

Voice

Voice
Spinto Tenor

Highest note
E#5 in “Special Girl”

Highest Full Voice Note
C5 in “Wish You Were Here”

Lowest note
B2 in “Comeback”