A Sony executive told Sharon Jones that she was “too short, too fat, too black and too old.” Fortunately, Sharon Jones ignored him and kept singing soul songs at birthdays and weddings. Finally, Sharon Jones met the Dap-Kings, a New York City group that was trying to produce classic soul music. Over the years, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings toured and built an audience for their sound. This documentary captures the raw excitement of their shows. But, just as Sharon Jones was about to release her latest CD in 2014, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer. Miss Sharon Jones provides a window into her cancer treatment and recovery. It’s grim, but inspiring. Sadly, Sharon Jones lost her fight against cancer over this past weekend. A great talent has left the Stage. GRADE: B+
Another sad loss for 2016. She was a survivor, a real tough cookie–and her great voice and singing reflected that!
Deb, Sharon Jones fought the Good Fight, but cancer won in the end. This is a brave but saddening film.
She was simply great. Tough year for musicians especially.
Patti, you’re right about 2016 being a Bad Year for musicians and singers. But Sharon Jones was really something special.
Very timely.
She told people her stroke on Election Day was caused by the results. Sadly, I can believe that.
RIP
Jeff, a lot of people had strokes after Election Day. And…there will be more to come!
I know I felt so sick that night that I went to bed at 9:30!
Jeff, same here. Diane stayed up and had hope things would turn around, but I knew the Election was over by 9:30 P.M.
She was a favorite on the music programs that air on our local public radio station. Lot of musicians biting the dust this year.
Steve, Sharon Jones was only 60-years-old. Way too young!
I don’t listen to radio any more (have audio books in the car) so not familiar with her. Will netflix this
Maggie, be prepared for a harrowing experience when you watch MISS SHARON JONES.
Good soul is hard to find these days. She’ll be missed.
Rick, you are so right! It’s hard to find good Soul Music these days. That’s why I listen to so many retro CDs of Motown.
Speaking of which, I’m reading ANATOMY OF A SONG that you reviewed here. It just came from the library. Very enjoyable, so thanks for the tip.
Rick, you’ll find ANATOMY OF A SONG as entertaining as I did!
Fresh Air on NPR is replaying some interviews with her on Wednesday.
If you are interested in some contemporary soul-Try Mayer Hawthorne or St Paul and the Broken Bones.
Steve, I loved the early Mayer Hawthorne. His later work is a lot less soulful. I don’t know anything about St. Paul and the Broken Bones but I’ll track down their music pronto! Thanks for the tip!
I just got ANATOMY OF A SONG from the library too.
Jeff, you’re gonna love it!
Another good documentary about a singer is Amy. I feel more sympathetic towards her about seeing it. Her father comes across as the villain of film.
Steve, I’ve seen AMY and I agree: the father is a rat!