Called an “A-list performer” (Philadelphia City Paper) and a “rising star” (Philadelphia Daily News), Philadelphia jazz-soul vocalist and performer Tiffany Jones has been lauded for the “soul and sincerity behind her voice.” The color of her voice and the melodies of her original compositions are drenched in soul with jazz inflections, while her honest, heartfelt lyrics touch listeners with a message of love, joy, peace and healing. Jones’ love of performing started at a young age. Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she sang her first solo in church at the age of three. “Music has been a huge part of my life since I can remember,” says Jones. “It is the thread that holds both sides of my family together.” Her grandfather, the late Lowman Pauling, was a notable songwriter and guitarist who wrote such classics as “Dedicated to the One I Love,” recorded by the Mamas and the Papas, and the hit “Think,” recorded by James Brown. Eric Clapton credits him as being one of his influences. He and his rhythm and blues vocal group, The Five Royales, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2015. Jones’ great-uncle Clarence Paul (Pauling) worked for Motown for years and is named as mentor for Stevie Wonder. He wrote, “Until You Come Back To Me,” first recorded by Stevie Wonder and made a hit by Aretha Franklin. Beyond family, Jones credits Whitney Houston as her first and greatest influence. “From her presence on stage to her phrasing, I studied her,” says Jones. Other musical influences range from Rochelle Ferrell to Lalah Hathaway, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson and Carmen McCrae. “These women helped me develop my sound.” Jones moved to Philadelphia in 1994 to attend Temple University, earning a bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in jazz vocal performance. She received a master's degree in music education from the University of the Arts. She has performed in venues across Philadelphia, and has worked with local artists such as Dexter Wansel, Donald Robinson, Tim Warfield, and Orrin Evans. In April 2011, Jones appeared in the PBS special “Malt Shop Memories” as a background vocalist for Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and other artists at Caesars Hotel & Casino. She performed background vocals on tour for gospel singer and musician Jeff Majors and on his album “Sacred 4 You” (2002), which reached #13 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and #67 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart for 2002. Her original composition, “I Come to Thee” is featured on the album “Kaleidoscope” (2007) by jazz trumpeter Sean Jones and was sung by gospel artist Kim Burrell. In April 2016, Jones released her EP entitled Him. This record marks her second recording; her debut album, entitled “Reincarnation,” was released in 2002. Jones currently serves on the voice faculty of the University of the Arts.
