Donell Jones (born May 22, 1973) is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. He met record producer Eddie F in the mid-1990s and signed with his record label Untouchables Entertainment, beginning his career as a songwriter for its parent label, LaFace Records. He signed with the label as a recording artist to release his debut studio album, My Heart (1996), which was met with lukewarm commercial reception despite yielding his first Billboard Hot 100 entries with its singles "In the Hood", and his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet."

Jones became best known for his second album, Where I Wanna Be (1999), and its lead single, "U Know What's Up" (featuring Lisa Lopes). The album received platinum certification by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA), while the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100; its follow-up single, "Where I Wanna Be" peaked within the chart's top 40. His third album, Life Goes On (2002) peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, while his fourth, Journey of a Gemini (2006) peaked at number 15. His compilation album, The Best of Donell Jones (2007) served as his final release with LaFace.

Life and career

Jones is the son of Renee Byrd and gospel singer Roy Jones. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1999, Jones enjoyed major success with the release of his second album, Where I Wanna Be. Boosted by its hit single "U Know What's Up", which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. "U Know What's Up" was a global hit, peaking within the top ten of the charts in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, "U Know What's Up" entered and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for two consecutive weeks behind "The Masses Against the Classes" by Manic Street Preachers and "Born to Make You Happy" by Britney Spears. "Where I Wanna Be" peaked at number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. The same year, he was also awarded an American Music Award in the Favorite Soul/R&B New Artist category.

Jones reteamed with his regular team of contributors, including Eddie F, Sheldon Goode, Jamie Hawkins, G-Wise, Kyle West, and Darren Lighty to work on his third album Life Goes On. Released in June 2002, it debuted number 3 on the Billboard 200 and at number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, becoming his highest-charting effort yet. Its three singles were less successful however, though lead single "You Know That I Love You" became a top twenty hit on the R&B charts. Serving as prelude to his next studio album, The Lost Files failed to chart. Chiefly produced by Jones' himself, it debuted and peaked at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 and at number nine on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, becoming his fourth entry on the latter chart. Another project conceived under Candyman and eOne Music, it debuted and peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and reached number eight on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2018, Jones provided vocals, produced, and co-wrote on "23" by Jacquees off the album 4275 (2018).

In 2019, Jones collaborated with Jon B. on the duet "Understand". He also announced plans for an upcoming album to release in 2019 during an appearance on the SoulBack R&B Podcast. The project, called 100% Free, was expected to be released in December 2020, but eventually came out on digital services (and for free on his official website) on February 14, 2021.

Discography

;Studio albums

  • My Heart (1996)
  • Where I Wanna Be (1999)
  • Life Goes On (2002)
  • Journey of a Gemini (2006)
  • Lyrics (2010)
  • Forever (2013)
  • 100% Free (2021)

References

  • Donell Jones – Official Site
  • Donell Jones at Instagram
  • Donell Jones Videos at YouTube