The 27’s – Linda Jones 1944 - 1972

Part 13 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27^th year.

Jones was born in Newark, New Jersey. She started singing in her family's gospel group the Jones Singers at the age of six. Her first recording was "Lonely Teardrops" under the name Linda Lane, on Cub Records in 1963, and she had unsuccessful singles on Atco Records in 1964 and Blue Cat Records the following year.

It was around this time that Linda would be discovered by singer, songwriter and producer George Kerr.  Three years later in 1967, Linda signed with Loma Records, then under Warner Brothers, and released her first masterpiece entitled, “Hypnotized.”  The song became an instant smash hitting #4 on the R&B Singles chart and #21 on the Pop chart.

The writers of “Hypnotized” were Richard Poindexter and Gloria Spolding.  The song was arranged by Richard Tee, a trained session musician who would later form his own group in 1975 called “Stuff.”  Singing background on 'Hypnotized' were George Kerr and the Poindexter Bros.

Soon after her career took off, however, she was diagnosed with diabetes and died at home in Harlem in 1972 while resting between matinee and evening shows at the Apollo Theater.  According to accounts Linda had been booked at the Apollo for a weeklong engagement.  After the matinee she went home and laid down to rest.  When her mother went to wake her for the evening show she was unresponsive.  An ambulance was called which transported her to a local hospital where it was discovered that she was in a diabetic coma.  She passed away later that day.