Meet Andrea Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Jones.

Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a musical family, so music has been a part of my life from day 1. I began singing at church in the youth choir around the age of 5y. I just knew I loved singing. My grandmother would play the piano at family gatherings and call out all the singers to sing a solo. A few times I disappeared to my room, not wanting to be put on the spot or be the focus of attention, but I am grateful for the times she sent someone back there to come get me! Makes me laugh now. The very thing I didn’t want to do, I now LOVE and get paid! In 6th grade, my school had a musical and the teacher gave me a song to lead called “Children Go Where I Send Thee” in the style of Mahalia Jackson. My younger brother Christin “Classic” Jones also sings, so we sang together for many years at events. Our Mom arranged for us to sing the National Anthem at the NBA Stay In School Jam held at the old Arco Arena, the former home of the Sacramento Kings. I don’t even remember being nervous, even though that was the largest venue we’d ever performed. Our parents, teachers/peers were so supportive, and we continued to sing at talent shows throughout high school. One time my Dad and I were watching TV, and I was singing the jingles. He suggested I do some research and see if that’s something I could get into. I was so excited many years later to share with him that I booked my 1st jingle!

I also remember when my choir director, Bill Miller, gave me a solo one Sunday, and I didn’t think it went so well…started crying, but he assured me it was fine and I would continue to improve with practice and time. My high school basketball teammates would often request that I sing on the bus to away games. I sang at my high school graduation. I attended college at a HBCU, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where I sang in the world-renowned Morgan State University Choir under the direction of Dr. Nathan M. Carter. My voice is lower than most ladies so Dr. Carter allowed me to sing tenor. One of my unforgettable moments was singing with the MSU choir at CARNEGIE HALL for The Marian Anderson 100th Birthday Tribute. I also had the great blessing of crossing paths with fellow choir members like the amazingly talented Durrell Babbs aka TANK, the general of R&B, Gospel artists Jonathan Nelson & John McClure Jr. and amazing singer Mashica Winslow of Winslow Dynasty. I participated in my first talent show alone in college. That was the 1st time I’d performed outside of church by myself and without my brother. It was different, but it felt good to receive that instant feedback from the crowd. After I graduated from MSU, I attended graduate school at Cal State LA. There, I began participating in campus talent shows and began winning. It was a great boost to my confidence. I was invited to perform some jazz standards at an on-campus event, but they wanted me to use a band. That was my 1st time forming a band, and we had such a great time. I sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at CSLA Black Graduation.

After graduation, I began performing at open mic spots like the old COZY’s in the Valley. It was there I really started meeting singers, musicians, and other industry professionals. I also joined Faithful Central Bible Church, continuing my love of singing in a choir called “One Voice.” Our church band had incredible musicians who had played on some of my favorite records or were on tour with some of my favorite artists. 1 day I got a call to do a session with David Foster from my friend Kurt Lykes. Changed my perspective immediately. My 1st professional session. I was blown away by the experience. My passion was fueled like never before, and I realized that I could really have a career in music. I’m grateful to come from a family who believes in God and prays for me continuously. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams with excellence. Due to their confidence in me, I internalized that confidence. I’ve always believed I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Personally – My greatest ongoing challenge is experiencing life without my amazing Mom, Regenia’s physical presence. She passed away in 2022, and by far, it’s been the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with and will always deal with. Intelligent, beautiful, wise woman of great faith…my #1 fan and truly my best friend. She was always my 1st listener to a new song idea… an all-around cheerleader. Somehow, she always gave the right advice! I can say I’ve experienced unconditional love. It’s been rough, but I am grateful to God for peace that passes all understanding. I know she is proud of me, and I carry her incredible spirit with me…YET HOLDING ON!

Professionally – Coming to LA in 2000, my goal was not to be in the entertainment industry, so the evolution of my successes has been more exciting to experience. I came to LA to attend Cal State LA, earned my Master’s in Social Work, and began working in that field. Once I started working professionally as a singer on nights and weekends, I started to notice that the pay should be better for certain gigs. I did MANY gigs where I was underpaid, but I wanted the experience. These days, things are much different, but that was hard sometimes to know I brought my A+ game and wasn’t being properly compensated. That challenged me to find better-paying situations and ultimately led to me joining SAG-AFTRA. The guidelines/pay scale was set, so it took the guesswork out of it. I now feel more confident going into sessions/sets because there are rules in place.

I remember a few times different artists wanted me to sing hooks on their projects, but the content wasn’t in line with my brand. I could have made a lot of money, but I had to decline. I always want to be proud of my work and not compromise for money.

To this day, I’ve had to turn down a lot of gigs/tour opportunities because of my work schedule. I always tell artists there is nothing wrong with a 9-5 or a job in general while you pursue your dreams. “Starving artist” is not the life for me. Often, I still can’t hang out after gigs and get to know people better because I have to get up for work the next day. I was never part of a clique, so sometimes I felt I didn’t get certain calls because of that, BUT I realized I received all the calls that were meant for ME that have led me to this beautiful point in my life.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 2008, I booked a job as a singer on Young and the Restless, my 1st IMDb credit. I was so excited to see myself on TV, something I never imagined. Another group I sang with, Tribe of Judah, had the honor of singing background for Josh Groban and appearing on Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I joined SAG in 2010 when TOJ sang background for Mariah Carey on her ABC Christmas Special. 2010 also marked my musical theatre debut at the Wilshire Ebell in a production by Don B. Welch called, Hallelujah Mahalia.” Since then, I’ve performed at least 20 times at the Ebell and many more times at theaters in LA. Most recently on Aug 5th, 2023, I debuted my new single, now available on all digital platforms, called “You Made Me Believe in Love Again”, as the opening act for Don B. Welch’s HIT play, “The Bachelor Party.” I’ve had the honor of performing background vocals at the 87 Academy Awards with John Legend and Common singing “Glory” from the movie “Selma” and another time during the 90th Academy Awards with Mary J. Blige singing “Mighty River” from the movie “Mudbound”.

I’ve performed the National Anthem for the Lakers (the night Kobe Bryant announced his retirement), LA Dodgers, SF Giants, and PBR (Professional Bull Riders). I have also performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at events held by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and the Pan African Film&Arts Festival (Spoken Word Festival). In the past, I’ve hosted a night called Industry Tuesdays LA: Andrea Jones and Friends, which highlighted local and celebrity talent. I was invited to lead an Aretha Franklin song, “You’re All I Need to Get By” at the LA premiere of the movie “RESPECT” starring Jennifer Hudson. Most recently, I led “Happy” with Donald Taylor and Harmony at the Los Angeles Grand Prix Legend’s Jam at UCLA. I’ve had numerous songs placed in films. Most recently, I won Best Original Song at the Cannes World Film Festival, Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, and several film festivals for my song, produced by Joe Archie, “Through A Child’s Eyes” from the film, “Baby Girl” by Don B. Welch currently playing on the network ALLBLK.

I also have song placements in Don B. Welch’s films “Love on A Two Way Street” (You Made Me Believe In Love Again (Live Version)- performed by Kelly Price), “The Divorce” (Back to Me), and “24 Hour Love” (Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough) on ALLBLK as well. A few weeks ago, my Grammy Certificate arrived for my participation as a background vocalist on Michael Bublé’s Grammy Award-Winning project, “Higher”. It was such an exhilarating feeling choosing a frame and finding the perfect place to hang it this past weekend. If I was making music for accolades, I would have stopped a long time ago, but as I told some friends, “I’m not turning them down either”!

My favorite podcast is R&B Money Podcast, hosted by TANK & J. Valentine, which has served as a weekly Master Class. I look forward to being a guest one day. I’m working diligently to build my musical catalogue and contribute my creative voice to the music industry and the world.

Some of my dream collaborations would be with Stevie Wonder, TANK, JOE, Jaime Foxx, P.J. Morton, Jazmine Sullivan, Jodeci/K-Ci&JoJo, Jonathan McReynolds, Missy Elliot, Diane Warren, H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Babyface, John Legend, Tyrese, Samara Joy, Jimmy Jam&Terry Lewis, Harold Lilly, USHER, Kirk Franklin, B.Slade, Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Lattimore, Leon Lacey, Kevon Edmonds, Dr. Dre, Shawn Stockman, Joonie, Common, Carl Thomas, LL COOL J, Timbaland, DJ Camper, Eddie Levert, Barbra Streisand, D’Angelo, The Avila Brothers, and The Soul Seekers. I’m diligently working to finish my debut project, “Living the Dream”.

What were you like growing up?
People would always say I had an old soul. I was quiet/reserved as a child. Very observant. Logical. My parents did not use physical punishment with me. They were able to talk to me and explain why my behavior was wrong, and we moved on. I didn’t give my parents trouble. I’m the oldest of three, so I love being a big sister to my brothers, Christin and Aaron. I had perfect attendance, great grades, and played sports. My Mom signed me up for Parks and Rec basketball in 4th grade, and I played through 12th grade. I even played overseas in an all-star tournament in Belgium in high school. I was really shy and an introvert outside of sports. I didn’t go to my prom, which I regret. The person I am now would have gone and had a ball! Music was my saving grace. I listened to the radio daily and sang along. Artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Jodeci, Hi-Five, The Boys, Mint Condition, Boyz II Men, Babyface, Intro, The Winans, Commissioned, John P. Kee, Dawkins & Dawkins, Barry White, James Brown, and so many more influenced me. Growing up, I loved watching The Facts of Life, The Cosby Show, Living Single, Gimme A Break, Fresh Prince, and so many other great shows! I was also the president of my Youth Choir, Voices of New Testament, in Sacramento so that definitely sharpened my leadership skills at a young age, along with the leadership and teamwork I learned playing basketball and volleyball. I am grateful to have experienced a happy and nurturing childhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.officialandreajones.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialandreajones
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialandreajones
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/officialandreajones
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/andreajones

Image Credits
*Sheldon Botler Photography *Diamond Dust Photography *Tobe Mokolo