Gloria Jones arrives at the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Photo by Peter Gonzaga_Pacific Rim Photo Press.

By PETERSON GONZAGA
Front Row Features

HOLLYWOOD—It’s been a great week for music artist Gloria Jones, who was in town recently to attend The Academy Awards on behalf of the Oscar-nominated documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom.”  Upon her arrival, Jones explained, “Two years ago, we were involved in making this documentary. Apparently, they (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) fell in love with it.” The uplifting film was crowned the winner at Sunday night’s award ceremony.

Accepting the Oscar on stage for “20 Feet From Stardom” was Janet Friesen, director Morgan Neville, producer Caitrin Rogers and singer Darlene Love, who joyfully delivered an example of her vocal skills on stage.

Background singers are artists in their own right, and Gloria expounded on that opinion, “This is why I think people love the film. We’re the elders in this film.”

A one-time starring act, Jones recorded the original version of “Tainted Love” in 1964 (later covered by Soft Cell), plus the singles “Go Now” (later covered by The Moody Blues) and “Bring On The Love.” She later became a background singer, providing backing vocals for the likes of Neil Young, Jackie DeShannon and The Commodores.

Jones was also at one time the girlfriend of the late Marc Bolan of T.Rex. Helping to keep his legacy alive, Jones and her son, Rolan Bolan, are building the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film in Sierra Leone.

“We’re building (it) free of charge,” she said. “The children will learn music, learn to make films and to edit.”

For more information and to support the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film, visit http://www.marcbolanschool.org