Maxine Jones

Biography Early life Born in Paterson, New Jersey, her mother died when she was 5 years old, and Jones moved to Oakland, California with her three sisters at 15 years old. Before her career, she was a hair salon worker. 1989–2011: En Vogue

In 1988, Jones was chosen along with Dawn Robinson and Cindy Herron to be in a three-woman girl group by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. After adding Terry Ellis to the line-up, the group became a quartet and chose the name En Vogue. They began recording their debut album in 1989 and finished in 1990. In 1990, En Vogue released their first single "Hold On", which became a number one single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Later that year, the group released their debut album Born to Sing, which sold a million copies the United States.

The group released their second album Funky Divas in 1992, which sold over 3.5 million copies in the United States. Jones also shares lead vocals on one of the album's top-charting singles "Free Your Mind". "Free Your Mind" won two MTV Video Music Awards, for "Best R&B Video" and "Best Dance Video". En Vogue released an EP in the fall of 1993, entitled Runaway Love. The lead single "Whatta Man", featuring co-lead vocals by Jones and a collaboration with Salt-N-Pepa, peaked in the top-ten on the Billboard charts and sold over a million copies.

2012–13: Heirs to the Throne and En Vogue to the Max In October 2012, Jones and Dawn Robinson appeared on Access Hollywood to announce they are forming a new girl group called Heirs to the Throne. The duo launched their website, Twitter, and Facebook for the new group. They also performed at several venues with Shaunté Usual as their third member. The following year, Robinson and Jones parted ways and Jones went on to form her own group called "En Vogue to the Max". It was later announced that the former group mates Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis sued Jones for use of the En Vogue name and demanding one million dollars for damages. However, Ellis and Herron could not demonstrate harm done to the company from Jones' use of the name. Robinson participated as a witness in the trial but ultimately stated that she was not directly involved in the dispute, as she had surrendered her rights to use the name herself when she departed from the LLC years earlier. She also appeared as a judge in season two's Paramount Idol, alongside Bruce Flohr and Andy Waldeck.

2014–2024: Solo career and The Funky Divas In 2014, Jones began recording her first solo album with producer DJ King Assassin entitled, To the Max. Jones released a single "Didn't I" on May 15, 2014. In 2016, Jones went on tour for the stage-play "Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies!" by Teresa D. Ballard. In March 2017, Jones announced the forthcoming release of her autobiographical self-help book "A Smart Girls Guide to Girl Groups" in the summer through Welstar Publications, LLC. In June 2017, Jones released a cover version of "Don't Let Go (Love)" as a duet with Australian singer Greg Gould.

In October 2019, Jones reunited with En Vogue for an on-stage performance to salute music industry executive Sylvia Rhone at the City of Hope Gala 2019. This marked the first time all five members performed together. In late 2019, Jones and Dawn Robinson toured under the group name The Funky Divas but later disbanded in 2020. In November 2022, Jones released a single titled "Not Your Freak" featuring Big Freedia. In February 2024, Jones released a cover version of "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)".

2025–present: Return to En Vogue In February 2025, Jones rejoined En Vogue.

Artistry Voice and songwriting Maxine's vocal range spans three octaves and two notes. She is a classically trained soprano. As a member of En Vogue, Jones was often credited for harmonizing the low parts of their songs. Her lowest note was recorded on the song "Love Won't Take Me Out" wherein she sang a G2. Her highest note was recorded on Silent Night (Happy Holiday Mix)", whereas she sang a B5 note. Jones often took on heavy songwriting in the group. She also sang lead vocals on their biggest hits including: "Whatta Man", "Don't Let Go (Love)", "Give It Up, Turn It Loose", and their signature song "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)".

Influences Jones names Chaka Khan as her major musical influence. Her musical influences also include Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle. Jones' style is rooted in R&B and classic soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats by Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy.

Discography

Singles "Didn't I" (2014) "Don't Let Go (Love)" (with Greg Gould) (2017) "Not Your Freak" (featuring Big Freedia) (2022) "Losing My Mind" (featuring OG Beatz) (2024) "Hero" (2024) "You Can't Have It" (featuring William T. Starzz) (2024)

with En Vogue Born to Sing (1990) Funky Divas (1992) Runaway Love (1993) EV3 (1997) Masterpiece Theatre (2000)

Filmography Films Year Title Role Notes1995 Batman Forever Girl on the corner No. 1 / prostitute Cameo appearance

TV appearances Year Title Role Episode1993 In Living Color Herself; cameo with En Vogue "Stacy Koon's Police Academy" A Different World Charity "Mind Your Own Business" Roc Jackie "Joey in Love" "To Love and Die on Emerson Street: Part 1" "To Love and Die on Emerson Street: Part 2" 2017 The Hills Waitress "Watergate"

Theatre appearances Year Title Role2016 Suspicion, Lies, and Death by Pies! Ms. Fellows