Sharon Lafaye Jones (Sharon Jones) passed away on Friday, November 18th, of complications from pancreatic cancer, aged 60. Brooklyn based, born in South Africa, Sharon was best known as the lead singer of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Nominated for her first Grammy for Best R&B album (‘Give The People What They Want‘), in 2014. Jones became successful quite late in her life at her early 40s.
Daptone Records‘ debut release was the single ‘Got A Thing On My Mind‘ by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.
Her label’s announcement, on its Facebook page, about her passing away, was the following: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce Sharon Jones passed away today after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:
Cure Pancreatic Cancer – The Lustgarten Foundation https://www.lustgarten.org/donate
James Brown Family Foundation
http://jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org/online/index.php/j-a-m-p
Little Kids Rock
http://www.littlekidsrock.org/support-us/donation/‘
‘Damn It’s Hot‘ was her debut single released through Desco Records, in 1996:
The Female James Brown, as she was called, is no longer with us…She will be singing in “heavens” her soul/funk tunes, and make us dance day and night.
Christos Doukakis