In 2002 I picked up this cd from the "Recommended" section on the 1st floor of Tower Records on Broadway near St.Marks. I played it ALL THE TIME. This album was part of the soundtrack to the beginning of my jeweler's life. I had never heard of this group or this woman before but knew their debut album was fantastic. Fast forward a few months and I see in the Village Voice that they're having a show in Brooklyn. In a loft...re: someone's apartment. I dragged as many of my friends as I could so they, too, could hear the gospel of Sharon Jones. Neil Sugarman was at the merch table (right by the washing machine). Hypnotic Ensemble opened up for the band. Little did I know that performance in 2003 in Bushwick was their very first show. I have watched Ms. Sharon Jones, a former corrections officer, rise to local fame, then shine in the international adoration she always deserved. I've seen her on boats, in parks, in establishments in Brooklyn that are long gone. I'm so happy I was able to witness her rise to the top, along with the hard working Dap Kings. I am so sad that I will never hear this woman's voice again. Words can't even describe how I feel. She was the May 4th to my May 5th. Her spirit will be missed. Bosco, Neil and the rest of the @daptonerecords family, I'm so sorry for our loss, because Sharon was a friend to me too. * * * #sharonjones #neilsugarman #boscoman #brooklynsoul (at Daptone Records)
