Classic R&B
jade
Interview by: Lisa Green
J
ADE is but one of the many
90’s R&B groups making a
return in 2014. The ladies,
including original members Joi
Marshall and Tonya Kelly—joined
by new group member, Myracle
Holloway, have released their
first single in 20 years titled, “Baby
Luv” on Valentine’s Day this year.
Success first came for the ladies,
then joined by original member,
Di Reed, via their first siingle, “I
Wanna Love You” from the Class
Act movie soundtrack in 1992. The
single was a breakout hit reaching
#16 on the Billboard Hot 100. This
paved the way for their second and
most popular single, “Don’t Walk
Away”. The song reached #2 on the
charts, sold more than 1.5 million
copies worldwide and was certified
platinum in 1993. By the release of
their full debut album, “Jade To The
Max” the girls had a devoted fan
base and with other hit singles from
the album including, “Looking For
Mr. Do Right” and “One Woman”
the album shot to platinum status!
JADE had joined TLC as one of
the hottest female R&B trios of the
early 90’s with appearances on the
Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight
Show, a hot tour, and in addition,
the group performed on BET’s
Listening Party LIVE and became
the first act ever to have their
performance recorded and released
as a full album by BET Networks.
By 1994, JADE had appeared
in the the movie The Inkwell
starring Jada Pinkett Smith and
Larenz Tate and they released
their sophomore platinum-selling
album, “Mind, Body, and Song.”
The group appeared on hit show,
Beverly Hills 90210 in 1995 where
they performed one of the hits from
that album titled, “Every Day of
the Week”; however, by 1997, the
group had disbanded. But, fans
were not ready for the end of JADE.
The group’s fans used social media,
email, walk-ups, etc. to express their
interest in a reunion of the trio and
to share their interest in new music
from the group—and JADE did not
disappoint! They are back with
their first album in 20 years titled,
“Continuum”. I had a very fun
conversation with the ladies about
their return, reality tv and more!
THe 90’s
R&B Trio Returns
with neW Album
Pictured above: JADE in the early 90’s:
Di Reed, Joi Marshall and Tonya Kelly
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amn magazine