Daron Jones is a former member of the ultra successful group 112. As “o-v-e-n” is to Beethoven, a play on his last name, “the Joneses”, is to other R&B artist/producers in the game. You can’t keep up with and to date no one can keep up with…the Daron Jones(es). He is the Kanye West of R&B. Here is why.
He has been awarded Billboard, Grammy, BET, MTV and Soul Train awards, in addition to an American Music Award nomination. 15 million records sold worldwide and 7 million sold domestically as an artist. 24 million records sold as a songwriter/producer. Since “math” wasn’t promised in this crash course, the aforementioned does not include the multiple, gold certified albums or singles.
We often miss the obvious while looking for the obscure. Nothing is truer than in the case of this incredibly creative, recording artist. He is simply an amazing talent with an uncanny knack for producing and writing mega hits. Appropriately so, Daron Jones is a musician; a polished piano player. He has the gifted ability of playing music by ear. Many people, fans as well as industry buffs, are unaware of this fact. Sounds familiar? I think most of us know another historically, famous piano player that plays by ear as opposed to reading music. Daron Jones is an established, platinum selling producer/songwriter. How could he not be a musician? Yes, they missed the obvious while looking for the obsolete. History.
Daron Jones. Beethoven. Daron Jones. Musical success appears to have been destined for the two of them. They both could play piano by the age of seven. They were both born in the month of December; (10) days apart but that only signifies the (10) years Daron Jones has been in the music industry; singing, writing, performing and producing platinum hits. And share a similar sentiment to what Mozart said about Beethoven (“Watch this lad”) to what A&M Record’s Ron Fair said about Daron Jones’ songwriting and production (“We’re putting the house on this one”). Of course he was referring to the platinum selling single (“I Should Have Cheated”). That record single handedly launched Keyshia Cole’s career. There was also the Biggie Smalls/ R.Kelly’s single (“F*king you tonight”) and songs for 112, Pink, Jamie Foxx, Kelly Price and Faith. Music.
This charismatic, native Atlantan (“Zone 6” as his old neighborhood is affectionately called) has a passion for his multi-faceted craft. He has deep respect for and a history in hip-hop. Daron Jones was a rapper, in a rap group, prior to meeting the guys of 112 in the 7th grade. So understandably his first single as a solo artist, “Dance For Me” would feature an artist in the new genre of hip-hop; “snap”. With Fabo, of D4L, lending his trademark voice and energy, Daron Jones created the industry’s first and hottest “Snap-n-B” song. Music.
Daron Jones is a testament to his single mother that supported the family and purchased his first piano at a very young age, to H.O. Burgess Elementary that allowed him to play for students in the cafeteria, to the honor chorus rehearsals at Gordon, to the Sue Hampton music teacher, to South Atlanta HS and to that “golden arches” commercial where the little girl played that Beethoven song that sparked his musical inspiration. History.
Of course in this day of one hit deals and never-developed artists, labels are salivating for his longevity and “potential for capitol” as a seasoned artist, performer, producer and songwriter. But Daron Jones is also an entrepreneur and businessman. Daron Jones Music is an empire, all in itself, with music and modeling. Many have often wondered when this introverted yet handsome performer would come down out of the sun where there were so many shadows. It just wasn’t time. Not until his spirituality really grabbed hold, has he been able to walk through “Heaven’s Door”; also the title of his favorite song on his upcoming LP, “Who I Am”. So after years of contemplating the flight plan of his career, it appears its time for Daron Jones to give aeronautics a try and chart a different course. He too almost missed the obvious while remaining duty loyal to the ultra obsolete. Get it? Ultra…read up. In the music industry, continued success can be difficult to obtain but not for Daron Jones, an “A” student of the game. Two fields of study, such as artist and producer, successfully completed over “16” is a Masters degree, right? Yes - it - is. Multi-Graduation.
I Should Have Cheated Performed By Keyshia Cole Written and Produced By Daron Jones
Hot & Wet Performed by 112 Written By Daron Jones
Na, Na, Na, Na Performed By 112 Written and Produced By Daron Jones
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