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(Pictured with former Chic bandmates Alfa Anderson and Norma Jean Wright)


*Raymond Jones, a hit-making songwriter, producer and keyboardist for the seminal dance band Chic, Whitney Houston, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Labelle, Stephanie Mills and songs in five films by Spike Lee, died on Friday, July 1, 2011.

Jones, 52, died of pneumonia at South Fulton Medical Center in Atlanta.

Raymond Jones was born December 13, 1958 in New York City to Herman and Charlotte Jones, and raised in Laurelton, Queens. His parents were civil servants working for the City of New York. Along with his older sister Marcia, young Raymond received his initial music instruction on piano beginning at 8 years-old at Third Street Music Settlement in Manhattan followed by years of private study. He attended Intermediate School 72 Queens and Brooklyn Technical High School.

Jones was 19 years-old when he joined Bernard Edwards’ and Nile Rodgers’ group Chic, playing keyboards on the international smashes “Good Times”, “Le Freak” and “I Want Your Love”, as well as Chic productions such as Diana Ross’s “Upside Down” and Sister Sledge’s universal anthem “We Are Family”.

Jones became musical director for rhythm & blues artist Jeffrey Osborne and penned his Top 10 R&B hits “Stay With Me Tonight” and “Borderlines”. He co-wrote the 1983 club hit “Build Me a Bridge” by German sensation Adel Bertei, and later wrote and produced memorable gems such as Lisa Fischer’s “Last Goodbye”, Lalah Hathaway’s “Do You Suppose”, and the power ballad “I Can’t Complain” by Patti Labelle for her CD Be Yourself. Jones’ song “Someone for Me” (co-written with bassist Freddie Washington) was a highlight of Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album which sold 25 million units worldwide.


Full story: http://www.eurweb.com/?p=117060
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Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

R.I.P. Mr. Jones. You brought joy to millions. You are missed.

Raymond and his old bandmates interviewed on American Bandstand back in 1978.

[Edited 7/10/11 22:21pm]

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Wow, this is definitely pretty depressing. I just heard about Fonce Mizell, and now I'm hearing this....rest in peace, Raymond......

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Awwww:-( R.I.P.

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A number of my favorite Raymond Jones compositions.....

"People In Search Of A Life", with Marc Dorsey

Never Explain Love, with, Al Jarreau

Alone Tonight, with Tisha Campbell

We've Already said Goodbye (Before We Said Hello) , with Portia Griffin and Pieces of A Dream

Raymond Jones , w, Lynn Davis- "It All Comes Around"

Raymond Jones, with Arnold McCuller - "Codajas"

Raymond Jones, w Lori Perry - "Bad For Me"

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[Edited 7/11/11 15:38pm]

He was so young. Was he sick? RIP.

Wow, he wrote that song for Tisha Campbell from School Daze, that was an incredible song that people ignored, it should have been a smash hit. He was a young man too, yes 52 is young. Rest in peace and GOD bless his family and friends.

I didn't know he was the one behind the song by Tisha Campbell either. The only post-Chic project that I was aware of was State of Art which he formed with Norma Jean and released one album prior to Chic's own Chic-ism album. There really should be some sort of Unsung or Behind the Music type documentary on Chic while Nile, Luci, Alfa and Norma Jean are still with us. First Bernard, then Tony and Luther and now Raymond Jones is gone. Makes you aware of the passage of time.

UncleGrandpa said:

Wow, he wrote that song for Tisha Campbell from School Daze, that was an incredible song that people ignored, it should have been a smash hit. He was a young man too, yes 52 is young. Rest in peace and GOD bless his family and friends.

Oh my God that song was just... And Tisha and 'em were looking good in that video. Jasmine was in that video too. Love it.