Jones’ pursuit of jazz standards led to the recording of “The Moon Is Made of Gold” and “Autumn Leaves” for Rob Wasserman’s album Duets in 1985. The latter track earned her another Grammy nomination. And in 1990, her duet with Dr. John, a cover of “Makin’ Whoopee”, earned the artist her second Grammy Award, this time in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group. At the time of recording her debut album, Jones was in a romantic relationship with Tom Waits; she is the girl draped over the car on the cover of his 1978 album Blue Valentine. Early in her career, Jones was known for her drinking and substance abuse. She eventually tempered those demons, and came to terms with herself, and her own uncertain spirituality, and has maintained respect of her musical peers. She’s devoted to her talents, beyond music, one of which is raising her teenage daughter, and has even run her own political website and made music critiquing the Bush administration. She is involved in left-wing politics and community activism, partly through her web community, Furniture for the People (http://www.furnitureforthepeople.com/). A greatest hits collection on Rhino called The Duchess of Coolsville was released in 2005. In 2007 she signed to New West Records releasing The Sermon On Exposition Blvd, a record exploring lyrical territory inspired by Lee Cantelon’s 1991 book The Words, which attempted to translate Christ’s teachings into a more accessible contemporary format. Cantelon’s friend, Guitarist Peter Atanasoff was instrumental in the creation of the eventual record. Discography 1979: Rickie Lee Jones – Warner Bros.|1981: Pirates – Warner Bros.|1983: Girl at Her Volcano (EP) – Warner Bros.|1984: The Magazine – Warner Bros.|1989: Flying Cowboys - Geffen|1991: Pop Pop - Geffen|1993: Traffic From Paradise - Geffen|1995: Naked Songs - Reprise|1997: Ghostyhead – Warner Bros.|2000: It’s Like This - Artemis|2001: Live at Red Rocks - Artemis|2003: The Evening of My Best Day – V2|2005: Duchess of Coolsville - Rhino|2007: Sermon On Exposition Boulevard - New West|2009: Balm in Gilead| |
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