Detroit Soul Mystery: Who Was September Jones?

[JordanW]

Hello, Detroit music lovers!


I'm reaching out to the DetroitYES forumn in hope that someone can help us solve one of soul music’s greatest mysteries: Who was September Jones?


Myself and three fellow researchers here in England have been searching for information on September Jones, a Detroit-based singer from the mid-1960s.

Despite her talent, very little is known about her. She recorded just one vinyl 45, I'm Coming Home, backed with No More Love but, left behind numerous unreleased tracks that have since gained recognition on Spotify, YouTube, and vinyl compilations. Yet, no one know who she really was—and she likely has no idea that she has a fanbase in the UK!
What We Know So Far:

• She was a native Detroiter and sang in her church’s Junior Choir. Her father was a minister.
• In November 1966, at around 18 years old, she recorded for Pied Piper Productions with Jack Ashford [[of the Motown Funk Brothers). While she had one official release, I'm Coming Home, many of her recordings remained unreleased after Pied Piper folded. These tracks have since gained a cult following in the UK.
• Jack Ashford gave her the stage name “September Jones” but does not remember her real legal name. There’s a chance “Jones” was her legal surname, but we aren’t certain.
• After recording, It's suspected she performed in Detroit’s jazz/lounge scene. Saxophonist Marty Montgomery recalled playing with her in 1974 alongside bassist Shirley [[aka Sharon) Hicks [[Sister of Rod Hicks) and guitarist Pearl "Spear" Jones.
• After she recorded her Kapp 45 - she preformed at spots like Vertigo West, The Phelps Lounge, The Mauna Loa, and The Webb Wood Inn.
• We believe she was known to Shirley/Sharon Hicks and bassist Rodd Hicks, though both are sadly deceased. Her manager, Fred McClure [[also deceased), introduced her to The Fabulous Counts - we have asked Fabulous Counts group members - sadly they remember her but not where she is today or her legal name.

​We’re hoping someone in this forum may know her. I have attached her promotional photograph from 1966.

It would be amazing to uncover her story and, if possible, connect with her or her family to let them know how much her music is still loved today.

Any lead, no matter how small, could be the missing piece in solving this mystery.


Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

My email is: jordanwilson2k8@hotmail.co.uk

[JordanW]

This has also been shared on the SoulfulDetroit forum. A big thank you to the admin for allowing us to post here too.