Yo Jonesy Jones: Musical Dynamo

Studying music and advancing as an artist has always been my goal. Through this journey I’ve realized that I want to create and provide a platform for other artists like myself by learning the business, doing the business and teaching the business. —Yo Jonesy Jones

Yo Jonesy Jones

Those are the passionate words from the soul of  Yolanda V. Jones better known by her stage name Yo Jonesy Jones, an uber-talented entertainer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose high energy graces myriad stages around the world as she presents a wide array of musical grooves whether she’s singing, playing percussion or playing trombone while gliding in on her hoverboard.

THE EARLY YEARS
Jones grew up in Mobile, Alabama. “It’s a beautiful place,” she reflected back. “I’m certain I feel this way because my family is there. Growing up in a big family has been one of the best parts of my life; we are all very close and I miss them a lot when I’m away from them.”

Jones was fortunate to have a wide variety of music echoing through her home throughout her early years. “There were all styles of music played in my mom’s house—reggae, soul, gospel, and, of course, hip hop with my brothers,” she recalled. “My mom would sing around the house with her voice echoing through the bricks so sweetly and beautifully. Also, my mom had African drums as decoration in the house, which gave me the opportunity to start banging on them while she’d do an African dance in our living room. DJEMBE was the first drum I played around with.”

The male counterparts in Jones’ family were also a contributing factor to her musical future. “My dad played instruments, so that made us want to be rock stars,” she quipped. “My brother and uncle played trumpet in the high school marching band, and oh boy did I want to be like them. I’d play around with their instruments but, ultimately, I decided in the fifth grade to learn trombone.”

THE DANCING QUEEN

Jonesy (far left) with Sue Palmer and the Rhythm Riveters at Gator by the Bay last year.

“My mom’s household took on dancing heavily,” she stated. “My brothers were into hip hop, so break dance and crump style were in continuous motion within the walls of my house growing up. I wanted to do everything they did so I became good at being a cool dancer,” Jones exclaimed, “and that landed me an audition for a performance arts school where I was able to study voice and theater as well. I knew I wanted to be on stage during my performances in fifth through eighth grade there. I always admired the tap dancers, so I mimicked them and bought shoes of my own. In ninth grade I took a class or two and just started tapping and later, when I was 16, my theater teacher offered me a job as dance assistant at her dance school. It was there that I began to teach and learn more about tap dance.”

YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH 
Religion has played a huge role in Jones’ life and mission as a musical artist, with the Bible being a major influence with instruction for her on how to walk in the best light.

“Because of religion I’ve been led to glamorize living in peace and vibrating in positive energy,” she explained. “Because of my faith I’ve had doors open that I dreamt of in my youth. I am grateful for divine energy, now understanding that I know I’m here on earth to be a vessel of that light through my talents…I choose to let positivity be the dominant force in my music.”

Jonesy with her mother and grandmother.

On that theme, Jones collaborated with her brother, Jah, for the Crowned Jewelz recording in which they “crowned” their thoughts together. “Crowned are my thoughts and Jewels are the thoughts I spit” is how she describes the album’s theme. “We wrote lyrics that stemmed from affirmations and prayers,” she said, “with declarations and visions to think positive thoughts and speak good intentions into the earth.” What started as a two-person foundation morphed into a seven-piece band recording. “It became my favorite project,” Jones beamed.

The album was titled Jonesy 3:16—Crowned Jewelz and became a live recording on Jones’ 32nd birthday, recorded live at the Jupiter Theater in Mobile. “It was one of my favorite performances,” she raved, “and the album is perfect for a long drive. It’s full of ‘feel good’ energy.”

HELLO SAN DIEGO
Jones decided to make San Diego her new home as her spouse hails from San Diego. “Making that move during the pandemic was ideal,” she said. “I’m meeting and working with so many phenomenal musicians here in San Diego and Los Angeles.”

Jones arrives here in “America’s Finest City” with a wealth of stage experience with bar gigs, corporate gigs, theater gigs, and original and cover material gigs under her belt. She often plays with Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra. “Understanding the nature of the gig is essential,” aptly stated by Jones. “Most corporate events aren’t looking for original music. Performing covers are always cool, especially when the band has the freedom to modify arrangements,” she continued. “I’ve always enjoyed mashing songs and creating an original twist to cover tunes to make them my own. My main lyrical message has often been peace heavy, but I do understand the overall purpose music holds.”

EPILOGUE
“Aside from music I study fitness. I started my fitness coaching journey through dance, particularly Zumba. My ultimate vision is to provide a platform for artists that raise the vibration on the planet. I plan to host peace and wellness festivals from Southern California to South Alabama. These festivals would all provide opportunities for wellness vendors to travel, teach, and sell merchandise. I’m thankful to all my Alabaman and San Diegan supporters and musicians for believing in my vision.”

“I’m releasing my album this summer, Southern Soul, with the album single titled “Sweet Tea.” I’m taking a sweeter approach with this album, with love frequency, and happy vibes being the main topic, although the underlying message is still L.I.P., (live in peace). It’s a nice mix of blues, funk, and gospel,” she emphasized, “It’s been fun.” Jones will be doing a live stream album release on August 2nd at Wildcat Studios in Escondido at 8pm.

Jones leaves us with what she is truly all about as an entertainer, musical artist, and human being. “Putting out positive frequencies is most important in this world…and the best way is through music!”