Donell Jones is an American contemporary R&B and R&B singer, songwriter and producer from Chicago, United States. He is also associated with the group The Untouchables.

Career

Jones begins as a writer and producer as well as a performer. He first forms the group Porscha after leaving street gang life behind and concentrating on music. He then gains wider attention as a songwriter for other R&B acts, including writing and producing Usher’s 1995 hit “Think of You”, writing 702’s “Get It Together”, and contributing songs for Brownstone and Silk.

In 1996 he signs to LaFace Records and releases his debut album, My Heart. The album includes his cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet”. His 1999 album, Where I Wanna Be, establishes him more firmly as an R&B hit maker and includes the number-one singles “U Know What’s Up”, featuring TLC member Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes, and the title track. Other songs from the album include “Shorty (Got Her Eyes on Me)” and “This Luv”.

In 2002 he releases Life Goes On, a gold-selling album that includes “You Know That I Love You” and “Put Me Down”, featuring Styles P. Four years later he releases Journey of a Gemini, which includes “I’m Gonna Be”, a Tim & Bob production that becomes a major Urban AC hit.

Writing and collaborations

Jones continues to work as a songwriter for other artists, including Usher, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. His work across recording and writing connects him with several strands of contemporary R&B and neo-soul.

Background

Born in 1973 in Chicago, Jones grows up in difficult circumstances and for a time is divided between music and gang involvement. After a brush with death, he leaves gang life and focuses on music.