Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, singer Ann Jones (nee Ann Matthews) dove into the western swing scene of the 1940 and '50s, notably playing on the West Coast in various live venues and radio programs. She became a bandleader in the early 'Fifties, leading the "all girl" country group The American Sweethearts over the course of several decades, and eventually settled in Southern California, although she continued to tour for many years. One of her longest collaborations was with steel player Blanche Emerson, who was with the band right through to the late 1970s. In addition to the LPs she recorded, Jones also cut numerous 78s and singles, both before and after she set out as a bandleader. Here's a quick look at some of her work...
Ann Jones "...And Her American Sweethearts" (King/Audio Lab Records, 1959) (LP)
Although she started out in the western swing scene, Jones adopted a honky-tonk vibe by the late 'Fifties, and sounds quite a bit like Patsy Cline on these sessions for King Records. Other than a cover of Bill Carlisle's "Too Old To Cut The Mustard," all the songs on this album are credited as Ann Jones originals, some sentimental, some uptempo, and all country. The backing musicians are rock solid, and even if they sound they're going through the numbers from time to time, mostly these are pretty committed performances. On the comedic side of things one of the more notable numbers is "A Fat Gal Like Me," which is a novelty number in the more-pushin'-to-the-cushion vein... There are also plenty of sincere, straightforward heartsongs and cheatin' tunes... All in all, a fun one!
Ann Jones & Her American Sweethearts "Hit And Run" (King/Audio Lab Records, 1961) (LP)
Ann Jones & Her Sweethearts "Both Ends Of The Candle" (Sweetheart Enterprises, 1978) (LP)
