Sharon Jones 1956 – 2016

Biography

The queen of soul and funk roared onto New York’s music scene with a voice that could shake walls and a stage presence that demanded your complete attention. Sharon Jones didn’t just sing—she commanded every room, every venue, every moment she graced with her powerful contralto and infectious energy. Born in Augusta in 1956, she built a legendary career as one of America’s most authentic and electrifying performers, becoming a fixture in the city’s vibrant soul and funk landscape.

What made Sharon unforgettable wasn’t just her raw vocal power or her magnetic charisma—it was her total commitment to her craft and the pure joy she radiated onstage. She brought genuine passion and soul to every performance, earning deep respect within the music community and inspiring generations of artists who witnessed her magic. She faced life’s hardest battles with the same grace and determination she brought to her art.

Sharon passed away on November 18, 2016, at 60, after her fight with pancreatic cancer. Though her voice has been silenced, her legacy burns bright—a testament to a woman who gave everything to music and left audiences forever changed. She rests in Mount Olive Memorial Gardens, remembered by devoted fans and fellow artists as a true original.