NEW YORK (Ra-Fael Blanco) - R&B CROONER DONELL JONES KICKS OFF THE J&R MUSIC SUMMERFEST CONCERT SERIES WITH A FREE LIVE PERFORMANCE AT CITY HALL PARK ON THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2006. SHOW BEGINS AT 5:00pm DONELL JONES PERFORMS @ 6:30pm JOURNEY OF A GEMINI?, DONELL's 4th STUDIO ALBUM HITS STORES ON TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2006. IT INCLUDES THE SMASH HIT SINGLES BETTER START TALKING? ft/ JERMAINE DUPRI, THE HEART-FELT CONFESSIONAL SONG PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN? AND THE BOUND-TO-BE SUMMER HIT I'M GONNA BE?, PRODUCED BY TIM and BOB New York, NY ' Singer/producer/songwriter
Donell Jones returned to the scene after a 3 year hiatus with the first single Better Start Talking, featuring platinum producer Jermaine Dupri. He is now ready to be? back at the top of the charts as he brings us the smash new single I'm Gonna Be, produced by hit makers, Tim and Bob. Donell, also delivers a stellar lyrical performance in Portrait of a Woman?, which he co-produced. "This is my confession to the woman that I caused so much pain", says Donell.
Donell's "Journey" has not been an easy voyage. He has overcome several personal challenges in life which have allowed him to say he is more than a conqueror. One of those challenges was his battle with alcoholism, which he dealt with for quite some time. "The thought of not knowing if I was going to still have a record deal after the various mergers and record label shut-downs, drove me almost crazy", he says. After months of fighting his battle, Donell checked himself into a rehab clinic with the help of friends and family and obtained the necessary care that he needed for himself and his four daughters. He is now a sober and focused man that would like to serve as an inspiration to others and let them know, it's ok to admit that there is a problem, just listen to your heart and your family, says Donell.
Jones 4th album Journey of a Gemini will be released on June 20, and it invites listeners to experience both the good and bad sides of this talented Gemini. Jones, who normally writes and produces most of his records, collaborated with several producers on this project. Working with a lot of different people opened me up and made me a better writer and a better producer, says Donell. Journey Of A Gemini features production by The Underdogs (Omarion, Fantasia,) Tim and Bob (Bobby Valentino) and Sean Garrett (Ciara) among others.
Jones grew up in Chicago. At the age of 11, he taught himself how to play the keyboard, started performing in his high school lunchroom and, eventually, joined a singing group, a decision that helped him stay away from the dangers of Chi-town tough street life. Years later, Jones got his first real break in the music industry, after meeting Untouchable Entertainment CEO and Founder Eddie F.
Although in the beginning Donell Jones lent his writing skills and vocal arrangements to Usher, Silk and even Madonna (1994 hit album Bedtime Stories), his distinct sound was introduced to the public by his first full length effort, My Heart. In 2000, Jones earned an American Music Award for Favorite New Soul/R&B Artist with the sophomore platinum album Where I Wanna Be. The album featured the hit single U Know What's Up.? His third album Life Goes On was driven by the hit single You Know That I Love You.
