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Sharon Jones Gets Back to Her Gospel Roots -- Exclusive Video

Sharon JonesThough she's sold out the Apollo twice already, soul singer Sharon Jones was gracious enough to treat several lucky fans -- and Spinner -- to her incredible singing talents in a much smaller Harlem venue: famed soul food restaurant Sylvia's.

As part of a Village Voice contest, two fans and their guests were invited to join Jones at Sylvia's Gospel Brunch, an event held every Sunday that features soul food staples and a singer who roams around the eatery's rooms, entertaining patrons via wireless microphone. On top of the delicious food, the guests -- and plenty of unsuspecting diners -- were also treated to an impromptu performance from Jones, who belted out a powerful version of the Mahalia Jackson classic 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow.'

After Jones helped us pack up some waffles, fried chicken, grits, greens and catfish to take home with us, she sat down with Spinner to discuss her desire to get back to her gospel roots, her competition in the so-called soul revival and her relationship with her mother, with whom she still lives in a Queens, N.Y. housing project. Check out the exclusive interview and clips from her performance below.




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vanessa

The correct title of the Mahalia Jackson song is "His Eye is On The Sparrow"

July 11 2010 at 10:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to vanessa's comment
Kathi

Yes, Vanessa, you are correct. "His eye is on the sparrow, and i know He watches me." It is my favorite quote.

July 11 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bill

Yes, and Ms. Jones delivered it beautifully!Obviously a wonderful person, and a great talent!

July 11 2010 at 1:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alfred Schrader

Aint nothin like that cookin. It's makin me hungry.
I love that country food...Al-

July 11 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jianzhi4

On top of the delicious food, the guests -- and plenty of unsuspecting diners -- were also treated to an impromptu performance from Jones, who belted out a powerful version of the Mahalia Jackson classic 'I Sing Because I'm Happy.'My boyfriend thinks the same with me. He is eight years older than me, lol. We met online at agegaplove .c om a nice and free place for younger women and older men, or older women and younger men, to interact with each other. Maybe you wanna check out or tell your friends.

July 11 2010 at 8:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply